Bescom Threatens Power Disconnection to Bengaluru Apartment Complex in Transformer Relocation Dispute
In a contentious development, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has issued a stern warning to cut off electricity supply to an apartment complex located in the Jayamahal area of Bengaluru. This drastic measure follows a complaint filed by a flat owner regarding the unauthorized relocation of electrical transformers within the residential premises.
Resident's Complaint Triggers Official Inspection
The controversy began in October last year when Bescom relocated two electrical transformers within the Neeladri Mahal apartment complex. Flat owner Tasleem Jeelani raised objections, lodging a formal complaint with the Department of Electrical Inspectorate. Jeelani asserted that the relocation was executed without obtaining proper consent from the apartment residents, violating established protocols.
"Authorities had assured us that a sleek and compact transformer unit would be installed, but that promise was not fulfilled," Jeelani explained. "Our tenant reported witnessing sparks emanating from the transformer, particularly during rainy conditions. A space originally designated as a children's play area has been transformed into a potential hazard zone. Despite our persistent follow-ups, no corrective action has been taken."
Safety Violations Identified by Electrical Inspectorate
Acting on Jeelani's complaint, the Deputy Chief Electrical Inspector for Bengaluru Additional East Zone conducted an on-site inspection on February 16. The inspector subsequently issued a letter to Bescom's Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), highlighting critical safety lapses.
The inspection report noted that mandatory safety clearance had not been procured prior to shifting the transformers, constituting a clear violation of the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023. The inspector demanded a detailed explanation from Bescom within a seven-day timeframe, underscoring the regulatory breach.
Internal Escalation and Subsequent U-Turn
Internal correspondence within Bescom during February and March indicates the matter was escalated through administrative channels. In February, the Executive Engineer of the Shivajinagar division communicated with the concerned AEE regarding the issue. Jeelani also presented two additional letters from the Executive Engineer and the Superintending Engineer, both dated March, addressing the transformer relocation concerns.
However, in a surprising reversal, Bescom's latest communication dated April 8 warned the apartment association of imminent power disconnection. The utility company stated that if the association failed to obtain the necessary clearance for the transformer relocation within 15 days, or alternatively, took steps to relocate the transformers back to their original position, electricity supply would be severed.
Bescom Shifts Responsibility to Apartment Association
Executive Engineer of the Shivajinagar division, Nagaraj HM, clarified Bescom's stance, shifting the onus onto the apartment association. "It is the association's responsibility to secure clearance from the electrical inspectorate for any relocation work," Nagaraj stated. "The relocation was performed by a licensed electrical contractor, who is obligated to coordinate with the inspectorate and submit the requisite approval to Bescom."
This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between utility providers and residential communities over infrastructure safety and regulatory compliance in urban settings. The threat of power disconnection adds urgency to resolving the safety concerns raised by residents, particularly regarding the transformation of communal spaces into potential risk areas.
