You've bought a flat, collected the keys, and the first electricity bill arrives in the previous owner's name. It's tempting to ignore it, since the lights work. But leaving the BESCOM connection in someone else's name causes real problems later. Here's how the transfer works in Bangalore and what to check before you start.
Every electricity meter is registered to a person. A BESCOM name transfer simply changes that person from the old owner to you. It's a small fee and mostly paperwork, but the name has to match your ownership records, and any unpaid bills on the meter come with it.
The trap to avoid: outstanding electricity dues generally stay attached to the connection, not to the person who ran them up. Before you pay the seller in full, ask for the latest bill and confirm there are no pending amounts. Otherwise you may inherit the arrears.
Why You Should Transfer It
- ● The bill and any disconnection notices go to the previous owner, not you
- ● The bill is a commonly accepted address proof, and it should carry your name
- ● Load changes, complaints and refunds are handled only with the registered consumer
- ● It keeps your property records consistent for a future sale
Documents You Will Typically Need
- Completed application form for change of name
- Registered sale deed (or other proof of ownership such as a gift deed or legal heir documents)
- Khata certificate or e-Khata in your name
- Latest property tax receipt
- Latest electricity bill with the RR number
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous owner or builder
- Your identity and address proof (Aadhaar, PAN)
- Indemnity bond and supply agreement on stamp paper, where required
The exact list can vary by sub-division and case, so confirm with BESCOM before you gather everything.
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Typical Figure |
|---|---|
| Processing fee (domestic connection) | About ₹100 |
| Stamp paper for indemnity bond / agreement | Quoted by different sources at roughly ₹550 to ₹1,000 |
| Time for name to reflect on the bill | Commonly cited as 1 to 4 weeks after verification |
Why the ranges: published figures for stamp paper cost and processing time differ between sources and change over time, so treat these as estimates and confirm the current amount with BESCOM at the time you apply.
Step-by-Step Process
Because your Khata comes first, our Khata Transfer guide is a useful companion to this one.
Common Reasons Applications Get Stuck
- ● The name on the sale deed doesn't exactly match the Khata
- ● Outstanding dues on the connection
- ● A missing or unsigned NOC from the previous owner
- ● Errors or rejection of the indemnity bond or stamp paper
- ● Your Khata mutation not yet complete
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally yes, with the landlord's NOC, a lease agreement and standard identity documents. Many tenants don't bother, but it can serve as address proof.
You will usually need additional documents such as a death certificate and legal heir or succession papers in place of the owner's NOC.
No. Water connections are handled separately by BWSSB with their own application and documents.
It's strongly advisable. Paying someone else's bill doesn't make you the registered consumer, which matters for disputes, address proof and a future sale.
Want someone to handle the paperwork for you?
APKACOMPLEX coordinates BESCOM name transfer along with Khata and other post-purchase documentation for flat owners across Bangalore.
View Pricing & Get StartedLast verified: October 2026. Required documents, fees, stamp paper amounts, processing time and the online process are set by BESCOM and can change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official BESCOM website or at your local BESCOM sub-division office before applying. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.