BESCOM's New Optical Meter System Saves Rs 120 Crore, Curbs Power Theft in Bengaluru

• BESCOM introduced an optical port probe-based meter-reading system in Bengaluru since August 2025 to combat electricity theft and billing discrepancies.
• The new system automates consumption data extraction directly from compatible digital meters, eliminating manual entries and human intervention.
• In five months, the system helped BESCOM recover nearly Rs 120 crore in revenue, previously lost due to under-reporting and manipulation.
• Over 57 lakh out of 1.10 crore low-tension connections in Bengaluru are now read using this technology, primarily DLMS-compliant digital meters installed after 2016.
• The state energy department plans to expand this system across all electricity distribution companies in Karnataka, aiming to replicate Bengaluru's success.

Why It Matters: BESCOM's new automated meter-reading system has significantly reduced power theft and recovered Rs 120 crore.