Bengaluru, June 28 -- Starting from July 1, the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) has made it mandatory for all new and temporary electricity connections in rural areas under its jurisdiction to have smart meter installations, as mandated by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC).

According to an official statement from the company, smart meter deployment in the urban areas of BESCOM's jurisdiction, including Bengaluru city, commenced on February 15, 2025. With this latest directive, the initiative is now being extended to BESCOM's rural regions also.

Applicants for new or temporary electricity connections can purchase smart meters from BESCOM-authorised outlets and proceed with connection formalities, accord...