For new Bescom connections, submit ID online, get supply in 24 hrs

Minister says state now has surplus power, will import coal if needed

The Bangalore Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (Bescom) on Wednesday launched its fast track service, Savikirana.

Under this, consumers will be provided power supply within 24 hours.

The service was launched in 49 divisions on Wednesday. Since 50% of the consumers take power supply from Bescom, it was first launched in Bengaluru. It will help about five lakh new customers. The Energy department will gradually extend the service to Chitradurga and Bengaluru Rural, said Energy Minister D K Shivakumar on the sidelines of the launch.

Bescom Managing Director Rajendra Cholan said through this service, people can avail new connections and get the address and connection changed. He said once a house or commercial building is constructed, those seeking power supply can submit any one of the documents like Aadhaar card, driving licence, Pan card or voters' ID online as proof. People could also file applications at helpline counters.

Once the application is submitted, a waiting list number is generated automatically. Once the amount is paid online, engineers will provide power supply within 24 hours. This service eliminates contractors. People can avail up to 7.5-kV service through this, he said.

No power cuts

To ensure that there are no power cuts, the department has taken all necessary measures, said Shivakumar. The minister said currently, there is surplus power and the generation is more than demand.

"There will be no power cuts. Tenders have been called to purchase 900-MW power at Rs 4.4 per unit. If need be, we are ready to import coal for the thermal stations," he said.

He said, except Gescom (Kalaburagi), all escoms were making profits. Vacancies have been filled from linemen to engineers, up to 60%. The remaining posts will be filled in the coming days.

Charge your electric vehicle

To reduce vehicular emission and boost the use of electric cars, Bescom will inaugurate the first-ever electric vehicle charging unit at the Bescom head office on February 15.

Shivakumar said Bescom would launch 11 such more stations in the city, including at the Vidhana Soudha in the next six months. The fee for charging the vehicles was yet to be fixed by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. This service will be limited to electric bikes and cars.