KERC asks Bescom to block power supply to illegal structures

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has directed all state-owned electricity supply companies not to provide power connections to buildings that violate approved plans.

The directive is significant as many builders, particularly in Bengaluru, have been getting away with unauthorised constructions by securing essential facilities such as water, electricity, and sewerage connections through various means.

In a circular dated March 13, the KERC secretary instructed six electricity supply companies, including Bescom and Mescom, to comply with the Supreme Court judgment issued on December 17, 2024.

In Civil Appeal No 14605 of 2024, the Apex Court had ordered authorities to provide electricity, water, and sewerage connections only after the production of completion and occupancy certificates.

The judgment also mandated that a copy of the approved plan be displayed  throughout the construction period.

These orders — which prevent builders from obtaining essential facilities illegally —come as a relief to residents fighting against unauthorised constructions in the city. Despite public complaints, authorities have often turned a blind eye to illegal buildings.

Babusapalya incident 

Since the Babusapalya building collapse in November last year, which claimed the lives of nine workers, the BBMP has tweaked its rules to discourage illegal constructions.

However, this has made little difference on the ground, with some builders continuing to construct up to five floors on a 20x30 sqft site and as many as eight floors on a 30x40 sqft plot.