Apply for a new domestic electricity connection when moving into a new property or completing construction.
Jurisdiction
All of India — regulated by state electricity regulatory commissions; implemented by state-owned or privatised Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) such as BESCOM (Karnataka), MSEDCL (Maharashtra), BSES (Delhi), TNEB (Tamil Nadu), APEPDCL (Andhra Pradesh)
Who applies
Any person who is the owner or tenant of a new residential property requiring a domestic electricity connection for the first time; also applicable when reconnecting after a lapse or after construction completion
Typical time
7–30 working days from application to meter installation; urban areas with pre-wired connections may be faster (3–7 days); rural areas can take up to 45 days
Fee
Connection charge / service connection charge (varies by state): ₹500–₹5,000 for LT domestic connections; security deposit: 2–3 months estimated bills (typically ₹1,500–₹5,000 depending on sanctioned load)
| # | Document | Type needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application form for new domestic connection | Download / Print | DISCOM-specific application form filled with applicant details, property details, and load requirement; available online or at DISCOM office |
| 2 | Identity proof of applicant (Aadhaar / Voter ID / PAN / Passport) | Self-attested Copy | Confirms the identity of the applicant for account creation and billing |
| 3 | Address / property proof | Self-attested Copy | Proves the applicant's right to receive a connection at the specific address — accepted documents: registered sale deed, property tax receipt, ration card, municipal possession certificate, or landlord's NOC with owner's ID |
| 4 | Site plan / building plan (approved by local body)(optional)Required for permanent connections in urban areas; may be waived for rural connections or PMUY/Saubhagya scheme beneficiaries | Self-attested Copy | Required by most DISCOMs to verify that the construction is on approved land and is a sanctioned building; prevents illegal connections to unauthorised structures |
| 5 | Wiring completion certificate from licensed electrical contractor | Original | Certifies that internal electrical wiring of the premises is complete and meets safety standards; DISCOM requires this before installing the meter |
| 6 | Passport-size photograph of the applicant | Original | Required for the DISCOM account and consumer card; affixed to the application form |
| 7 | Security deposit payment receipt | Download / Print | Proof of payment of the refundable security deposit; connection is not released until deposit is paid |
Original documents: Carry originals only for in-person visits — do not hand them over permanently unless explicitly required.
Assess the expected electrical load for your premises (sum of all appliances — lights, fans, AC, motor, etc.) to determine the sanctioned load in kilowatts (kW). Domestic connections are typically Low Tension (LT) Single Phase (up to 7.5 kW) or Three Phase (7.5–75 kW). Selecting the correct load avoids under-connection (tripping) or over-designation (higher deposit).
Hire a DISCOM-licensed electrical contractor to complete all internal wiring of the premises as per the Indian Electricity Rules and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) standards. The contractor will provide a Wiring Completion Certificate, which is mandatory for meter installation. Do not start this step until the building is structurally complete.
Visit the state DISCOM's online portal (e.g., bescom.org for Karnataka, mahadiscom.in for Maharashtra) or the nearest customer service centre. Fill the new connection application form with applicant details, property details, load requirement, and connection category (domestic/LT). Upload or submit scanned copies of all required documents. Pay the application fee online if applicable.
After application submission, the DISCOM issues a demand note specifying the security deposit amount (based on sanctioned load and tariff category) and connection charges. Pay these amounts at the DISCOM office, via online banking, or at authorised collection points. Retain the receipt — the security deposit is refundable when you surrender the connection.
A DISCOM JE (Junior Engineer) or technician visits the premises to inspect the internal wiring, verify the site, and confirm the feasibility of the connection. If the wiring passes inspection, the DISCOM installs the electricity meter (prepaid or postpaid as per state policy) and connects the supply line from the distribution pole to the meter. The JE signs off on the installation.
After meter installation and connection energisation, the DISCOM assigns a unique consumer number. This number must be used for all future interactions (bill payments, complaints, load changes). The first electricity bill is generated in the next billing cycle (usually monthly or bi-monthly). Register on the DISCOM's online portal or app using the consumer number for digital billing and complaints.
State DISCOM — Distribution Division
Site inspection, meter installation, and connection energisation
Physically inspects the premises, verifies wiring, installs the electricity meter, and energises the connection after completing the technical checks.
State DISCOM — Customer Service Centre
Application processing, demand note issuance, and deposit collection
Processes the connection application, issues the demand note for deposit and charges, and updates the consumer database after payment.
New connection application, online payment, bill view, and complaint registration for consumers in Bengaluru and surrounding districts of Karnataka
New connection application, online payment, and consumer services for Maharashtra (except Mumbai)
New connection application, bill payment, and consumer services for Tamil Nadu
Tracking electrification status under the Saubhagya scheme for rural and BPL households seeking free connections
Internal wiring done by an unlicensed electrician will not be accepted by the DISCOM — the JE will refuse to install the meter. Only DISCOM-empanelled or state electrical licensing authority-licensed contractors are authorised to issue wiring completion certificates. Verify the contractor's licence before engaging.
The security deposit is calculated based on the sanctioned load. Declaring a higher load means a higher deposit. However, declaring a lower load than actual use causes the meter to trip frequently or results in penalty for overloading. Assess your actual needs carefully.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) and PM Ujjwala Yojana, BPL households identified under the 2011 SECC list receive a free electricity connection including wiring, meter, and one LED bulb. If you qualify, approach your gram panchayat or DISCOM to avail this before paying for a regular connection.
If the previous occupant of the premises had unpaid electricity bills and the connection was surrendered or disconnected, the DISCOM may require old dues to be cleared before granting a new connection at the same address. Always check the property's electricity dues status before purchase or tenancy.
Drawing electricity without a proper meter and sanctioned connection is theft under the Electricity Act, 2003 — punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years and a fine. Additionally, unmetered connections without proper wiring are major fire hazards. Never tap electricity informally from a neighbour or overhead line.