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Hans India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Smart meters mandatory for new, temporary connections from July 1
Bengaluru: Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also. Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, according to the statement. 'KERC had issued guidelines on smart meter implementation on March 6, 2024, and installations have since been carried out in phases,' the release added. Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPRS/RF-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. They utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables direct communication between consumers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. The release stated that people can make advance payments and recharge for their desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. During a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon payment of the bill. BESCOM is also set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, as announced by N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM, in May. The MD was addressing a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, or the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members.
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Karnataka: BESCOM makes smart meters mandatory for new, temporary connections in rural areas from July 1
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 28 (ANI): Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC). According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also. Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, according to the statement. 'KERC had issued guidelines on smart meter implementation on March 6, 2024, and installations have since been carried out in phases,' the release added. Smart meters, which differ from traditional models, are equipped with a GPRS/RF-based communication system for data collection and offer server and cloud connectivity. They utilise Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which enables direct communication between consumers and BESCOM by gathering electricity usage data. Users can monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor through a mobile app and access recharge options. The release stated that people can make advance payments and recharge for their desired duration, allowing them to use electricity as needed. During a power outage, electricity can be restored immediately upon payment of the bill. BESCOM is also set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, as announced by N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM, in May. The MD was addressing a workshop organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, or the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bengaluru electricity board makes smart meters mandatory for new rural connections from July 1
Starting July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) will enforce a new rule mandating smart meter installations for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction. The move follows directives from the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), aimed at modernising the power distribution system across the state. Bengaluru electricity board makes smart meters mandatory for new rural connections from July 1 Also Read - Bengaluru to get new stadium with 60,000 seating capacity, says DK Shivakumar. More details According to a statement released by BESCOM, the initiative to roll out smart meters began in Bengaluru and other urban areas under its control on February 15, 2025. With this latest announcement, the utility is now expanding the programme to cover its rural regions as well. Consumers applying for new or short-term electricity connections in rural areas will be required to purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets before completing the connection process. The company clarified that this shift aligns with KERC's official guidelines issued on March 6, 2024, and that smart meter implementation has been proceeding in a phased manner since then. Also Read - Safety scare: Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru halts due to 'hot axle'. What is it and how it happens What are smart meters? Unlike conventional meters, smart meters come equipped with GPRS or RF-based communication systems, enabling them to transmit real-time usage data through cloud and server connections. Powered by Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the devices allow seamless two-way communication between BESCOM and consumers. Smart meters also offer significant advantages for end users. Through a dedicated mobile application, consumers can track their electricity usage, voltage levels, and power factor in real time. Prepaid functionalities allow users to recharge for a specific duration, providing greater control over consumption. In case of disconnection due to non-payment, power can be instantly restored upon bill settlement. Additionally, BESCOM is gearing up to introduce a new digital platform to improve transparency and responsiveness in handling consumer complaints. This portal, aimed at strengthening the grievance redressal system, was first announced in May by BESCOM Managing Director N Sivashankar during a workshop held in collaboration with KERC and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall.
India Gazette
14-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
BESCOM to launch digital portal for consumer grievance management
Bengaluru (Karanataka) [India], May 14 (ANI): Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is set to launch a digital portal aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the consumer grievance redressal process, announced N Sivashankar, Managing Director of BESCOM. He made this announcement while addressing a workshop earlier this week, organised jointly by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and BESCOM, for the office bearers and members of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) at the KEB Engineers Association Hall. 'To strengthen consumer rights and improve accountability, a dedicated digital platform is being developed for managing consumer complaints. The Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs has been entrusted with overseeing the grievance redressal process,' Sivashankar said. He added that, as directed by the KERC Chairman, CGRFS has been constituted at the district level, comprising a Superintendent Engineer, an Executive Engineer, and independent members. 'Grievances must be addressed within stipulated timelines. If issues remain unresolved at the CGRF or corporate level, consumers can escalate their complaints to the KERC for further redressal,' he emphasised. Inaugurating the workshop, KERC Chairman and retired Chief Secretary to the Government, P. Ravikumar, stressed the importance of delivering impartial and timely justice to consumers. 'Proactive engagement by authorities is essential for the success of this grievance redressal mechanism,' he said. Highlighting the legal framework, KERC Legal Department Member and retired District Sessions Judge HK Jagadish noted, 'Sections 42(5) and 42(6) of the Electricity Act, 2003 mandate provisions for consumer grievance redressal. The CGRF and KERC, the Electricity Ombudsman, function as quasi-judicial bodies, as recognised by the Supreme Court and High Courts.' During the workshop, KERC Technical Director Srinivasappa and retired judges Krishnaiah and IF Bidari briefed officials on technical issues and common challenges faced in consumer complaint resolution. The event was also attended by KERC Secretary Siddeshwar, BESCOM Technical Director HJ Ramesh, Finance Director Mahadeva, GM of Administration and Human Resources Dr. Dayanand, GM of Consumer Relations Rajoji Rao, and Pushpa SA, Chief General Manager of Corporate Affairs. (ANI)
