Bengaluru, June 28: In a significant move to modernize power distribution, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has announced that smart meters will be mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction from July 1, 2025. The directive is in accordance with the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) guidelines.
According to an official statement, this order extends the smart meter mandate beyond urban regions — including Bengaluru — where the rollout began on February 15, 2025. Now, the focus shifts to rural consumers, marking a new phase in Karnataka’s push towards digital utility infrastructure.
Applicants for new or temporary rural connections must procure smart meters from BESCOM-authorized outlets and follow standard procedures to activate service, the release added.
What Are Smart Meters?
Unlike traditional meters, smart meters are integrated with GPRS/RF-based communication technology and offer real-time data collection through cloud and server connectivity. They use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to provide two-way communication between BESCOM and end-users.
Consumers can:
- Monitor real-time electricity usage, voltage, and power factor via a mobile app.
- Recharge electricity prepaid-style — pay in advance and use power as needed.
- Instantly restore power after bill payment in case of disconnection.
- Track consumption patterns for energy efficiency and budgeting.
The rollout is part of a phased implementation that began following KERC’s guideline notification issued on March 6, 2024.
This step is aimed at improving transparency, billing accuracy, and customer convenience, while also enabling BESCOM to reduce transmission losses and enhance grid reliability in both urban and rural Karnataka.
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