Bengaluru, June 8: The Karnataka government has announced a one-time exemption from the requirement of producing an Occupancy Certificate (OC) for obtaining electricity connections in certain residential buildings within the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) limits.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who stated that the measure is intended to provide relief to homeowners facing difficulties in securing electricity connections due to pending occupancy certificate-related issues.

According to the government notification, the exemption applies to eligible residential buildings constructed on plots of up to 2,400 square feet, subject to prescribed conditions. The benefit is intended only for obtaining electricity connections and does not amount to full regularization of building plan violations or exemption from other statutory approvals.

Officials stated that electricity supply companies will verify applications through site inspections and documentation before granting connections. The exemption is applicable to buildings completed and seeking electricity connections within the timeframe specified in the government order.

The state government has described the measure as a temporary relief mechanism aimed at addressing long-pending issues faced by homeowners while broader urban planning and compliance matters continue to be addressed through existing legal and administrative processes.

Authorities have advised property owners to verify their eligibility and comply with all applicable requirements before submitting applications.

The move is expected to benefit a significant number of residential property owners in Bengaluru who have faced delays in obtaining electricity connections due to occupancy certificate-related complications.