Latest news with #ElectricityActof2003
Hans India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
New home construction crisis in Karnataka
Bengaluru: A recent Supreme Court ruling prohibiting the provision of electricity, water, and sewerage connections to buildings lacking Completion and Occupancy Certificates (CC & OC) has created a major crisis for new home construction across Karnataka, particularly in urban areas like Bengaluru. The decision has left over 3 lakh building owners in limbo, many of whom are either halfway through construction or preparing to begin. The ruling applies to all new buildings and halts utility services unless both certificates are secured — a situation that has now put government departments under pressure to respond quickly. While existing local municipal laws require CC and OC for final approval, the Electricity Act of 2003 does not mandate these certificates as prerequisites for connection. This legal contradiction has prompted concerns that even sheds, small homes, and village structures might be denied essential services due to technicalities. High Court advocate Sridhar Prabhu, who has closely studied the issue, has written to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Law Minister, suggesting that the government issue a revised clarification — allowing utility connections first, with CC/OC to follow. He noted that the Supreme Court's directive, issued on December 12, 2024, has been in effect for over six months, but the state has failed to respond with actionable solutions. He warns that failure to amend state and municipal laws (BBMP, KMC, BESCOM) could deprive thousands of citizens of basic amenities, despite investing heavily in legal construction. Prabhu recommends that the government urgently clarify via a simplified order that utility services can be granted prior to the issuance of CC/OC — and that local bodies can take action later if these certificates are not secured. 'How can a structure without electricity, water, or sanitation be certified as livable?' he questioned, urging the state to draft legislative amendments to protect the rights of genuine homeowners while remaining within the framework of the Supreme Court's ruling. If not resolved immediately, this legal contradiction could halt real estate and housing development across the state — with no clear workaround in sight.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Udupi-Kasaragod power line project advances
Udupi: The Udupi-Kasaragod Transmission Limited (UKTL) has reaffirmed its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance in the ongoing 400 kV high-voltage transmission line project linking Udupi and Kasaragod, addressing public concerns while seeking local support for the vital energy initiative. Designed to bolster regional power stability, the company claims that the project adheres strictly to the Electricity Act of 2003 and the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, ensuring stringent safety protocols. The transmission line has a mandatory clearance of 5.63 meters horizontally and 7.33 meters vertically away from residential structures. For properties already situated within the transmission corridor, UKTL has pledged fair compensation, with assessments underway to address affected landowners equitably in accordance with government guidelines. UKTL has called on residents planning new constructions in the project area to consult with the company beforehand to ensure compliance with safety regulations and avoid legal issues. The company also emphasised that farmers can continue cultivating crops such as paddy, papaya, mango, pepper, pineapple, and dragon fruit, provided these activities do not disrupt the transmission infrastructure. This approach aims to balance the region's agricultural traditions with the demands of modern energy development. Significant progress has been achieved, with all 101 tower foundations completed in Kerala and 77 of the 177 planned towers erected in Karnataka. UKTL's proactive communication seeks to dispel misconceptions, build community trust, and foster collaboration to ensure the project's timely completion while prioritising the safety and well-being of residents.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Time of India
KSEB issues public advisory against illegal electric fencing
1 2 3 4 T'puram: KSEB has issued a public advisory against unauthorised electric fencing installations. Over the past two years, electric shock from such fences claimed 24 lives, including two children, across the state. KSEB officials claim that these incidents typically occur due to illegal power tapping from KSEB lines or through unauthorised diversion of domestic power connections to fences. For installing electric fences against wildlife intrusion and crop protection, one must obtain specific approval from the Electrical Inspectorate. Direct or indirect power connection from KSEB lines to electric fences is strictly prohibited. The only permissible equipment are battery-operated electric fence energisers with impulse generators that comply with standard IS 302-2-76 (1999) Section 76 Part 2. The Electricity Act of 2003, Section 14, Article 135 (1) (e) classifies unauthorised use of electricity for fencing as illegal, carrying penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, monetary fines, or both. "Public vigilance is essential to prevent such hazardous violations. Any observed electricity misuse should be reported to the local KSEB section office or the emergency contact 9496010101. This number should be used exclusively for emergencies," KSEB authorities said.
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Workshop for officials to address consumer grievances effectively held
Consumer complaints can be effectively resolved at the officer level itself, thereby avoiding legal escalation, said Ramesh Bandisidde Gowda, MLA and chairman of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC). He was addressing a one-day legal workshop jointly organised by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and the CESC at the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Engineers' Association auditorium at Kadakola near here. The workshop was attended by chairpersons, members, and officials of various consumer grievance redressal forums. This workshop is aimed at equipping officials with legal understanding to address consumer grievances effectively, Mr. Bandisidde Gowda said. 'When consumers encounter problems, they generally approach local officials. If those officials handle the issues with seriousness, most complaints can be resolved swiftly without reaching courts or regulatory bodies,' he observed. He said that failure by officials to fulfill their responsibilities often compels consumers to seek legal remedies. 'We have seen several such instances. However, if every officer works with dedication, the number of complaints reaching the commission or judiciary can be reduced. Due to the commitment of both officials and elected representatives, our region has witnessed a decline in grievance cases,' he claimed. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC member H.K. Jagadish highlighted the importance of legal literacy among officials. Electricity is indispensable in today's world. Understanding the evolution of electricity laws helps in resolving consumer complaints more efficiently, he said. Mr. Jagadish traced the history of electricity laws in India, noting that the first law was enacted in 1887 during the British rule with a focus on safety. Today, the electricity sector functions under the Electricity Act of 2003. With power being generated from multiple sources, consumers have now become central stakeholders in the legal and regulatory framework besides transmission and distribution subjects, he added. KERC member Javed Akhtar pointed out that there is a lack of public awareness about grievance redressal forums. 'Many consumers visit local offices to resolve their issues but remain unaware of formal complaint forums. This information gap discourages consumers from filing complaints,' he said. He urged that all Escoms should publish complaint procedures prominently on their websites, mobile apps, and notice boards for the benefit of public. KERC secretary Siddeshwar, Mysuru zone chief engineer D.J. Divakar, Hassan zone chief engineer Harish Kumar, CESC chief financial officer G. Renuka, and other senior officials were present. Technical presentations were conducted after the inauguration.
