Smart meters made mandatory for new power connections in BESCOM rural areas from July 1

Residents in rural areas under BESCOM’s jurisdiction will now have to install smart meters for all new and temporary electricity connections, starting July 1. This new requirement is in line with orders from the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) and aims to bring modern, real-time monitoring to the state’s power supply network.

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The rule will affect consumers in several districts, including Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, and Davangere. Whether it’s a fresh household connection or a temporary supply for construction sites or events, installing a smart meter will be mandatory.

Unlike conventional meters, these smart meters use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology. They are equipped with GPRS or RF modules that transmit electricity consumption data directly to BESCOM’s central servers through cloud-based systems. This eliminates the need for manual meter readings and gives consumers real-time insights into their power usage.

However, the new system has raised eyebrows due to the significant cost increase for consumers. While a traditional meter installation typically cost around Rs 900, the smart meter installation fee is expected to be close to Rs 9,000. Many residents in rural areas have expressed concerns that this additional cost may strain their finances, especially for families already struggling with rising living expenses.