In a major relief for homeowners in Bengaluru, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has announced that approximately one lakh homes will receive permanent power connections under the occupancy certificate (OC) exemption scheme. This move aims to clear the backlog of pending applications for conversion from temporary to permanent electricity connections.
Current Status of Pending Applications
At present, close to 1.5 lakh applications are pending with Bescom for conversion from temporary to permanent power connections. However, among these, a few applications pertain to properties exceeding 2,400 square feet in area, while others are for commercial buildings. The OC exemption scheme primarily targets residential units that meet specific criteria.
Details of the Exemption Scheme
The Karnataka government had earlier introduced the occupancy certificate exemption policy to simplify the process of obtaining permanent power connections for residential buildings that lack an OC. Under this policy, buildings constructed up to a certain area and in compliance with building bylaws can get permanent electricity without requiring an OC. Bescom has now clarified that around one lakh such residential units will benefit from this exemption, enabling them to get permanent power connections.
Officials stated that the initiative will significantly reduce the number of pending applications and provide relief to residents who have been relying on temporary connections for years. Temporary connections often come with higher tariffs and limited reliability.
Impact on Residents
For many homeowners, the lack of a permanent power connection has been a long-standing issue. The OC exemption scheme streamlines the process, cutting down bureaucratic hurdles. Residents can now approach Bescom with the required documents and get their connections regularized without needing an OC from the local municipal authority.
Bescom has urged eligible applicants to submit their applications at the earliest to avail of the benefits. The utility has also set up special counters and online portals to handle the increased volume of requests.
Future Steps
Bescom plans to process the applications in a phased manner, prioritizing older pending cases. The company has also sought cooperation from resident welfare associations and local representatives to spread awareness about the scheme. With this move, the government aims to ensure reliable electricity supply to all households while reducing illegal connections.
The announcement comes as a welcome step for Bengaluru's real estate sector, which has often faced challenges due to regulatory delays. Industry experts believe that the OC exemption will boost property values and improve living standards in the city.
