Alert Bengalureans! From September 1, Power Will be Disconnected if...

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has announced that, effective September 1, it will disconnect power supply for consumers who fail to pay their electricity bills within 30 days of receipt or do not submit the required additional security deposit. This decision follows a recommendation by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and will be strictly enforced starting next month.

Impact on Various Consumer Categories

BESCOM’s new policy applies to domestic and commercial consumers, as well as those in apartments and with temporary electricity connections. “Failure to pay the bill within 30 days will result in disconnection on the day of the meter reading, which typically occurs in the first 15 days of every month,” the company stated.

Immediate Disconnection Procedures

“Starting September 1, linemen will accompany the meter readers in the first visit itself and immediately disconnect the electricity supply of consumers with overdue bills,” BESCOM added.

This change means that disconnections will occur more swiftly compared to the current practice, where meter readers and linemen conduct follow-up visits after initial readings.

Payment Grace Period

BESCOM provides a 15-day period for bill payments without interest, with an additional 15-day grace period available for payments with interest after the due date.

“However, if the bill remains unpaid, the electricity supply will be disconnected on the next meter reading day,” the company explained. Connections will be cut if the outstanding amount, including any additional security deposit, exceeds Rs 100.

Handling Payment Discrepancies

Consumers are advised to be cautious of delays in payment reflections in the BESCOM system. “In such cases, consumers should present their payment receipt to the BESCOM staff to avoid disconnection,” the company advised.