Bescom threatens power cut after apartment owner presses complaint

Bengaluru: Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has threatened to cut off power supply to an apartment complex in Jayamahal after a flat owner complained to the authorities against the relocation of transformers within the complex to a space that was previously used as a children's play area.

In Oct last year, Bescom relocated two electrical transformers within Neeladri Mahal apartment complex. Flat owner Tasleem Jeelani lodged a complaint with the department of electrical inspectorate that the relocation was carried out without consent from house owners.

"Authorities had promised that a sleek and compact transformer unit would be installed, but that was not the case. Our tenant reported sparks from the transformer, especially during rains. A space meant for children was turned into a risk zone. There has been no action despite continuous follow-up," Jeelani told TOI.

Based on Jeelani's complaint, the deputy chief electrical inspector for Bengaluru Additional East Zone visited the site on Feb 16. In a letter to Bescom's assistant executive engineer (AEE), the inspector noted that mandatory safety clearance had not been obtained for shifting the transformers and sought an explanation within seven days, citing violation of the Central Electricity Authority Regulations, 2023.

Subsequent internal correspondence within Bescom in Feb and March indicates the matter was escalated. In Feb, Bescom's executive engineer of Shivajinagar division wrote to the AEE concerned. Jeelani also produced two other letters from the EE and the superintending engineer on this matter, written in March.

In its latest communication on April 8, however, Bescom made a U-turn and warned the apartment association of cutting off power supply if the latter failed to obtain clearance within 15 days for relocation of the transformers or else took steps to relocate them back.

Executive engineer of Shivajinagar division, Nagaraj HM, said it was the association's responsibility to get clearance from the inspectorate for relocation. "The work was done by a licenced electrical contractor, who has to coordinate with the inspectorate and submit approval to Bescom," Nagaraj said.