BENGALURU: The Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) is planning to simplify the process for new connections, name transfer and additional power sanctions by setting up consumer service centres at sub-divisions and turning its processes digital.
Through this, BESCOM aspires to eliminate middlemen and their nexus with officials. To this end, the power utility is inviting public feedback and interaction opportunities. BESCOM will soon launch a consumer service centre on a pilot basis in one of its subdivisions.
BESCOM managing director Rajendra Cholan said, “We know that people seeking new connections or name transfers face a lot of harassment from touts and officials. They also have to wait for a long time. The application form also asks for details like the electrical engineer’s name and so on, which is difficult to get.”
“Now, the form will be simplified. We want people to share their feedback to make the process better. But people have to come at least once to our office with their photo and give their thumb impression. The rest will be done online. The inspection date, estimated cost and a stipulated time for the connection will be given. Just like how a passport office functions, we intend to operate that way.”
Cholan hoped that within the next two months, they would be ready with a full-proof plan on creating a single window system. Consumers can e-mail their feedback to bescomfeedback@gmail.com
Pre-paid meters and solar
BESCOM has made installing pre-paid meters compulsory for water supply, temporary connections and streetlights. Till now, BESCOM has installed 80,000 pre-paid meters within its limits.
Now, this will be extended to government buildings like MS building and a proposal in this regard has been sent to KERC. Through this, the power utility aims to avoid dues with the government. In the last 3-4 years, BESCOM’s dues stood at `1,800 crore.
Rajendra Cholan said, “We will at least receive the payment in advance. We need `10,000 crore to purchase power. If we have the money in hand, we will be able to purchase power.” Besides, BESCOM is spending `66 crore on solar power at government offices.