BESCOM’s New OC/CC Power Rule Changes the Game for Bengaluru Homebuyers

BESCOM Stops Power Connections for Non‑OC/CC Projects: What Bengaluru Homebuyers and Builders Must Know.

In a major regulatory shift, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) has stopped issuing new electricity connections to buildings without Occupancy Certificates (OC) or Completion Certificates (CC). This move follows a Supreme Court directive issued on December 17, 2024, mandating that essential services like electricity, water, and sewerage can only be provided after a valid OC/CC is obtained.

Why BESCOM Enforced the Rule?

For years, thousands of unauthorized or partially approved constructions across Bengaluru operated without proper occupancy approvals. While BESCOM had relaxed this rule temporarily in 2022—allowing over five lakh homes to receive connections—rising cases of building violations, fire hazards, and zoning non‑compliance prompted the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) to re‑enforce the legal mandate in 2025.

This policy aims to bring urban discipline, ensure structural safety compliance, and hold developers accountable for legal construction practices.

What the Supreme Court Order Says?

The Supreme Court’s judgment stated that"All necessary service connections such as electricity, water, and sewerage shall be provided only after the production of a completion or occupancy certificate."

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) subsequently directed BESCOM and BWSSB to deny new or permanent connections to buildings lacking these certificates. The rule is applicable to all new constructions, both residential and commercial, within BESCOM’s jurisdiction.​

Impact on Homeowners and Builders

For homeowners, especially those who bought apartments in under‑construction or partially approved projects, this new rule means no permanent power supply without OC/CC. Many residents currently rely on temporary electricity, which is billed at higher rates.​

Builders, too, face consequences—failure to obtain OC or CC can delay project handovers, trigger buyer disputes, and invite legal penalties or property devaluation.​

Common challenges faced by homeowners include:

• Incomplete or pending BBMP approvals.

  
  

• Construction on revenue sites without sanctioned plans.

  
  

• Lack of awareness on legal requirements before occupation.

Limited Relief for Small Plot Owners

Recognizing the hardship caused, the Karnataka government announced partial relaxation in September 2025. Homes built on plots up to 1,200 sq. ft (typically Ground+2 or Stilt+3 structures) are exempted from the OC requirement and can apply for connections subject to compliance checks.​

This relaxation is expected to benefit over 33,000 homeowners whose applications were on hold , while the government continues exploring broader legal relief options for other categories.

What Buyers Must Do Before Purchasing Property

To avoid getting caught in regulatory complications, buyers are strongly advised to:

• Verify whether the project has a Completion or Occupancy Certificate.

  
  

• Check for approved building plans and khata documents.

  
  

• Avoid taking possession or making final payments without proof of OC​.

  
  

These checks not only ensure legal ownership but also safeguard access to essential utilities like electricity and water.

Final Thoughts

BESCOM’s decision to link electricity connections strictly to OC/CC compliance marks a significant stride toward disciplined urban governance in Bengaluru. While it may temporarily inconvenience some homeowners, this regulation intends to curb unauthorized constructions, enhance safety compliance, and protect legitimate homebuyers in the long run.

Projects that are fully compliant—such as those with CREDAI membership and BBMP‑approved OCs—stand to benefit most, offering peace of mind and uninterrupted utility access for residents.