BESCOM’s OC Mandate: Why Thousands of New Homes Are Without Power
For many Bengaluru homeowners, completing a dream home has turned into a stressful ordeal. Despite finishing construction, several residents are being denied permanent electricity connections by BESCOM due to the absence of an Occupancy Certificate (OC) and Commencement Certificate (CC).
This move follows a BBMP directive, based on a Supreme Court order dated December 17, 2024, instructing BESCOM not to provide power connections to buildings that lack mandatory approvals.
At Hello Power, we help homeowners understand evolving electricity regulations, compliance requirements, and the steps needed to secure legal power connections without delays.
What Is the New BESCOM OC Mandate?
BESCOM has made it mandatory for all new residential and commercial buildings to submit:
• Sanctioned building plan
• Commencement Certificate (CC)
• Occupancy Certificate (OC)
Without these documents, permanent electricity connections will not be issued, even if temporary power was earlier provided during construction.
Why Are Homeowners Affected?
Many residents claim the rule was implemented suddenly, without adequate public awareness or transition time.
• Homes built using bank loans are left without power
• Temporary connections are being disconnected
• Contractors are unpaid due to stalled power approvals
• Residents are forced to live without basic electricity
Several homeowners say they were never informed that OCs would become mandatory for electricity connections until after construction was complete.
Revenue Sites: The Core Issue
According to BESCOM officials:
• Nearly 80% of new constructions are on revenue sites
• Revenue sites are not eligible for building plan approval
• Without approval, OC and CC cannot be issued
• No OC = No permanent electricity connection
This has left thousands of buildings legally stuck, even if construction quality is sound.
What Do Contractors and Associations Say?
Electrical contractors and associations argue that:
• BESCOM enforced the rule abruptly on April 4, 2025
• Authorities remained silent for months despite knowing the SC order
• Applications already submitted should be processed
• A grace period should have been provided
Many contractors have raised complaints stating that completed wiring work is going unpaid due to the lack of permanent power supply.
BESCOM’s Stand
BESCOM officials maintain that:
• The utility is complying with Supreme Court orders
• Electricity cannot be supplied without mandatory documents
• There is limited flexibility in enforcing the rule
As per BESCOM, all new building owners must regularize approvals before seeking permanent connections.
What Homeowners Can Do Now
• Verify land status before construction
• Ensure BBMP-approved building plans
• Apply for CC and OC immediately after completion
• Seek legal or technical guidance for regularization
• Track application status to avoid delays
How Hello Power Can Help
• Guidance on electricity connection eligibility
• OC & CC documentation support
• BESCOM application assistance
• Electrical compliance checks
• Contractor coordination support
We help homeowners navigate government regulations smoothly and avoid last-minute power connection issues.
Key Things to Remember
• OC & CC are now mandatory for new power connections
• Temporary connections do not guarantee permanent supply
• Revenue sites face higher compliance challenges
• BESCOM rules apply to both residential & commercial buildings
• Regulations are enforced across Bengaluru and Karnataka
Conclusion
The BESCOM OC mandate has significantly impacted new homeowners, especially those unaware of approval requirements. While the rule aims to regulate illegal constructions, its sudden enforcement has created hardships for genuine homeowners.
By staying informed and seeking expert assistance early, property owners can avoid costly delays and secure electricity connections legally and smoothly.
