Karnataka Govt Grants One-Time OC Exemption for Permanent Power Connections to Residential Buildings
Bengaluru, June 22: In a major relief to homeowners across Karnataka, the State Government has announced a one-time exemption from submitting an Occupation Certificate (OC) for obtaining permanent electricity connections for eligible residential buildings.
The Energy Department issued the order on Monday following a decision taken by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, aimed at addressing long-pending difficulties faced by thousands of residents in securing permanent power supply for completed residential buildings.
The exemption will be applicable across the state, including areas falling under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), municipal corporations, urban local bodies and gram panchayats.
Eligible Buildings
According to the order, the exemption applies only to residential buildings constructed on sites measuring up to 2,400 sq. ft., with an additional variation margin of up to 20 percent.
The benefit will be available for:
- Residential buildings up to G+3 floors
- Buildings with stilt parking plus four floors
Who Can Avail the Benefit?
The exemption covers:
- Applicants who had already applied for permanent electricity connections on or before May 31, 2026
- Buildings completed after obtaining temporary electricity connections during construction
- Completed residential buildings that have not obtained any electricity connection so far
15-Day Window for New Applications
The government has also provided a limited opportunity for eligible consumers who have not yet applied.
Fresh applications for permanent electricity connections under the exemption scheme can be submitted for 15 days from June 22, 2026, the date of issuance of the order.
Major Relief for Farmers and Rural Residents
In another significant decision, the government has granted a complete exemption from OC requirements for certain categories of rural and agricultural buildings.
The exemption will apply to:
- Houses occupied by farmers in rural areas
- Farmhouses
- Agricultural equipment storage structures
- Cattle sheds
- Sericulture cocoon houses
The move is expected to benefit thousands of farmers who often face procedural hurdles while obtaining electricity connections for agricultural and allied activities.
Separate Guidelines to Be Issued
The Energy Department said detailed operational guidelines for implementation of the order will be issued shortly to all Electricity Supply Companies (ESCOMs).
The guidelines will specify the procedure to be followed by power utilities while processing applications and providing permanent electricity connections under the new exemption framework.
Officials said the decision is expected to provide relief to a large number of residential property owners and rural households who have been unable to obtain permanent electricity connections due to the absence of Occupation Certificates.
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