Latest news with #BangaloreElectricitySupplyCompanyLtd
New Indian Express
15 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Karnataka to roll out smart meters from July 1
From July 1, consumers seeking new and temporary connections in most districts of south interior Karnataka will have to shell out Rs 4,998 for smart meters. Officials of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM) and Chamundeshwar Electricity Supply Corporation Ltd (CHESCOM) said smart metres are being rolled out for new and temporary connections from July 1, as per the Karantaka Electricity Regulation Commission guidelines. The districts in which the smart meters are being introduced include Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya, Hassan, Kodagu, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur and Davanagere. 'Smart metres were first started in Bengaluru on a pilot basis. Now it is being expanded across the state in a phased manner,' said BESCOM Managing Director Shivashankar N. An energy department official explained that though the companies involved in the tendering process have been different, all efforts are being made to ensure that the rates of the smart metres are more or less on par. This will be done to ensure there are no discrepancies and further questions or allegations. The implementation of smart meters in urban areas under the jurisdiction of BESCOM, including Bengaluru city, had started on February 15, 2025.
Hans India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bengaluru: BESCOM Clarifies Smart Meter Rule After PIL Alleges Forced Installations
The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (BESCOM) has informed the Karnataka High Court that smart electricity meters are only being installed in new households, and it is not mandated for existing consumers. The clarification came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Karnataka Vidyuth Sene and others, who allege that BESCOM is putting pressure on consumers to replace functioning static meters with smart ones. Petitioners raised concerns that smart meters are being made as compulsory, despite KERC guidelines making them optional. They further stated that the procurement process lacks transparency, with meters reportedly priced higher than in other states (where they are distributed at Rs 900/unit). Consumers are allegedly being forced to bear replacement costs, even when current meters work fine. Legal Update A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice C M Joshi has issued notices to: The Karnataka Government, BESCOM, and Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing. What Petitioners Want Quashing of circulars enforcing smart meter rollout. Clear adherence to KERC regulations. Transparency in meter procurement. Protection for consumers with working static meters. As of now, existing BESCOM customers in Bengaluru are not required to switch to smart meters.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Smart meters only for new homes, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd tells Karnataka high court
Bengaluru: The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Bescom) told high court that installation of smart meters is applicable only to new houses and not existing electricity connections. The clarification came during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Karnataka Vidyuth Sene and others. The petitioners contended that consumers were being compelled to shift to smart meters despite existing ones functioning properly. They also questioned the procurement process, stating smart meters were being offered at higher rates, whereas other states had distributed them for around Rs 900 per unit. The petitioners argued as per Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) regulations, smart meter installation is optional. However, recent circulars and tender notifications allegedly make the transition compulsory. After briefly hearing the matter, a division bench comprising acting Chief Justice V Kameshwar Rao and Justice CM Joshi issued notices to the state govt, KERC, and Bescom. The hearing has been adjourned. The petitioners have sought quashing of the circulars, adherence to KERC's regulations, and compliance with transparency laws in public procurement. They also requested that consumers with working static meters should not be forced to bear the cost of replacement.
