BENGALURU: After days of speculation, Bescom has provided significant relief to homeowners regarding occupancy certificate (OC) requirements.
The power utility has announced that residential properties up to 2,400 sqft within the Greater Bengaluru Authority will no longer need an OC to secure a permanent electricity connection, regardless of whether they applied before May 31, 2026.
This decision expands the state government’s recent easing of OC regulations and resolves confusion caused by earlier stipulations that seemed to limit this benefit to applications submitted before May 31.
The confusion stemmed from the Karnataka government’s announcement, following Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s directive, which exempted houses under 2,400 sqft from needing an OC due to a Supreme Court ruling. However, the details indicated that only applications made before May 31 would be eligible for exemption.
Homeowners and electrical contractors criticized this condition as unjust. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling in December 2024, many Bescom offices halted the acceptance of applications from properties without approved building plans. “Countless homeowners never had the opportunity to apply,” stated a senior member of the Karnataka Electrical Contractors’ Association (KECA).
Satish Kumar, a resident of Kengeri, mentioned that he finished building his home in October 2025 and moved in under a temporary connection. “When I sought a permanent connection from Bescom, officials turned down my application based on the Supreme Court ruling. We’ve been stuck with a temporary connection. It’s unfair to enforce a cut-off date when applications weren’t accepted,” he expressed.
C Ramesh, president of KECA, clarified that applications are valid only for a limited time within the Sakala framework. “If not processed in the given time frame, applications automatically expire. Most homeowners were waiting for government clarity instead of submitting new applications,” he added.
Contractors and builders have also requested clarity on the situation regarding commercial buildings and paying guest hostels. “If this confusion isn’t resolved, only around 5,000 buildings will benefit. Otherwise, 500,000 could qualify,” Ramesh noted.
A Bescom official confirmed that eligible homeowners will retain the relaxation benefits. “Homeowners who completed construction or acquired temporary electricity connections before May 31 will qualify for the exemption, but they must provide proof when applying for a permanent connection,” the official stated.
