Aug 15 deadline for OC-free power connection applications

Bengaluru: In a relief to thousands of homeowners awaiting regular electricity supply, Karnataka govt has extended the deadline for applying for permanent electricity connections under its one-time Occupancy Certificate (OC) exemption scheme.An amendment issued on July 4 revises the earlier govt order, which had given applicants only a 15-day window to apply. Eligible property owners can now submit their applications until Aug 15.The exemption was announced after the state govt received representations seeking more time for homeowners to claim the benefit. The scheme allows eligible residential buildings to obtain permanent electricity connections without producing an occupancy certificate (OC), a requirement that had stalled thousands of applications following court directions.The relaxation applies to residential buildings constructed on or before May 31, 2026, on plots measuring up to 2,400 sq ft, with permissible deviations of up to 20%. Eligible properties include ground-plus-three (G+3) buildings and those with stilt parking and up to four floors, located in Bengaluru and other urban local body jurisdictions.The govt estimates indicate that more than three lakh applications across Karnataka are awaiting clearance, including a significant number within Bescom limits. Officials will verify applications through field inspections and geo-tagged photographs before granting permanent electricity connections.