A comprehensive guide and information regarding BESCOM rules for disconnection.
At some point in their lives, Bengalureans encounter this issue when a BESCOM meter reader arrives to generate bills and disconnects the power supply if they haven’t paid the previous month’s bills or arrears.
While it is embarrassing at most times, we are mostly average middle family Indians having financial stress, personal problems and to top it all, we think of our self respect & our reputation more than required in front of the society, that’s mostly family, relatives and neighbors.
It is always a troubled-phase when a meter reader from BESCOM disconnects the power supply.
So right to the question;
Question: 1) Can BESCOM disconnect power supply for unpaid bills?
Answer: Yes, BESCOM can disconnect power supply as they are the licensee from Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)
Question: 2) Is a Meter Reader an employee of BESCOM?
Answer: Mostly No. Meter Readers are contract laborer provided by 3rd party agencies to BESCOM.
Question: 3) Does KERC permit Meter Reader to disconnect power supply?
Answer: No. KERC only permits licensee to disconnect power supply. According to BESCOM, a Meter Reader is not a permanent employee and therefore cannot disconnect the power supply.
Question: 4) Is it permissible to disconnect your power supply on general holidays or Sundays?
Answer: No.
Question: 5) Is there a timing for power supply disconnection?
Answer: Yes. Only during working days and during working hours but before 1.30PM.
Question: 6) Does the company issue a notice before disconnecting the power supply?
Answer: Yes. Most staff will argue saying that the bill is a notice, but it is not. BESCOM must issue a notice, in the form of Form 14, signed and sealed by the Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), to the consumer.
Question: 7) Is there a set of guidelines for disconnection of power supply?
Answer: Yes. As per COS, Annx-4, KERC (Electricity Supply) Code, 2004, and its amendments, Dated: 2.12.2004.
Question: 8) Who has the authority to disconnect the power supply? Can BESCOM disconnect the power supply if the premises are locked?
Answer: Line man & Engineers who have technical knowledge. BESCOM can disconnect the power supply at the pole or distribution box.
Question: 9) Can BESCOM stop disconnection if proof of payment is shown?
Answer: Yes. ESCOM cannot disconnect if proof of payment is provided at the time of disconnection.
Question: 10) Does BESCOM need to acquire permission before entering premise?
Answer: Yes. They need to issue a request to the consumer in writing and seek permission while attempting to enter premise. The staff are also required to display ID card.
I hope most of the questions are answered. This is mostly regarding all ESCOMs, not only BESCOM, as all are Electricity Distributors having acquired licenses from KERC.
If you find fault on any ESCOM end, you can always file a grievance complaint. Please refer to the following:-
Sub-Division Assistant Executive Engineer > Division Executive Engineer > Chief Engineer > MD.
If no one helps give justice then file a complaint with the Hon’ble Karnataka Lokayukta.
Remember: Public never support each other so the Power of Common Man / Public is ‘Zero’ in our Country.
My Opinion: All problems have solutions, some fights are worth it, but some aren’t. Always better to seek legal opinion before doing anything. If you can’t afford legal opinions then reach out to us. We shall try to connect you to free legal counselling.
We are striving to educate people about the laws in our country so that they know their rights and are not dominated by anyone.
For more information please click on Anveshn or ESCOM
Disclaimer: Information here was gathered and based on RTI information acquired, news, rules & guidelines from various departments related. We are not liable to misappropriation of information, misuse of information or misunderstanding / misinterpretations. We hold closely the right to withdraw any information provided or update it as & when necessary.