Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 5: Domestic electricity consumers across Karnataka will receive their July power bills based on their average electricity consumption over the past three months. This temporary measure has been introduced as meter readers are currently occupied with the physical verification of 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme beneficiaries.

A senior official from Bescom explained that meter readers across the state have been tasked with verifying beneficiaries between July 1 and August 31. "Since they do not have sufficient time to physically check meters and generate bills this month, the July bill will be calculated using the average usage of the previous three months," the official stated.

This average billing method is exclusively for domestic consumers and will not apply to commercial users such as industries and hotels. Any discrepancy in the billed units will be adjusted in August. If the actual reading shows excess usage, consumers will have to pay the difference next month. However, if the adjusted total falls below 200 units, the August bill will reflect a zero balance.

According to officials from various sub-divisions, every meter reader is required to verify a minimum of 50 houses per day. The energy department has strictly instructed personnel to visit a residence, whether occupied by owners or tenants, at least three times if the occupants are unavailable during the initial visits.

The average billing arrangement is strictly limited to July. When questioned about the course of action if the verification of lacs of beneficiaries extends beyond the August 31 deadline, the senior official noted that no instructions have been issued regarding an extension so far.