Bengaluru's Automated Meter System Delivers ₹120 Crore Revenue Protection
The implementation of an automated optical port probe meter reading system in Bengaluru has yielded substantial financial benefits for the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), effectively addressing persistent revenue leakages that plagued the utility for years.
Remarkable Financial Recovery in Just Five Months
Since its introduction during August-September 2025, Bescom has successfully prevented revenue losses estimated at nearly ₹120 crore within just five months of operation. This significant achievement has been accomplished by eliminating opportunities for manipulation during the meter reading process, which previously allowed for substantial financial drain.
Statewide Expansion Plans Following Success
Encouraged by these impressive results, the Karnataka energy department is now actively planning to replicate this successful model across all electricity supply companies (Escoms) throughout the state. The optical port probe mechanism represents a technological leap forward in utility management, designed specifically to eliminate human error and miscalculation in monthly billing cycles.
How the Automated System Functions
The innovative system enables electricity meters to connect directly to handheld billing devices through optical probes, facilitating accurate and automated readings without manual intervention. This technological advancement was first reported by The Times of India in their October 4, 2025 edition, highlighting Bescom's pilot experiment with the technology.
Addressing Historical Challenges
Previously, manual meter reading processes created multiple vulnerabilities, including:
- Significant room for errors in consumption recording
- Alleged manipulation where some readers under-recorded consumption
- Consumers benefiting from lower tariff slabs through mutual understanding with readers
- Frequent consumer complaints regarding over-billing
- Substantial revenue losses for the utility company
- Erosion of public confidence in billing accuracy
Comprehensive Implementation Across Bengaluru
Following a successful pilot program in select divisions during August 2025, Bescom rolled out the optical port probe system across the entire Bengaluru metropolitan area. The automated process has virtually eliminated human interference, ensuring:
- Accurate consumption measurement
- Transparent billing procedures
- Tamper-proof recording mechanisms
- Enhanced consumer trust
Current Coverage and Future Expansion
Bescom currently serves approximately 1.1 crore low-tension electricity connections throughout its operational area. Of these, an impressive 57.08 lakh meters are now being read using the new automated system. Senior Bescom officials have confirmed that nearly 96 percent of DLMS-compliant digital meters installed after 2016 are covered under this automated process across urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
Technical Limitations and Replacement Strategy
The optical port probe system does face certain technical limitations, particularly regarding older meter infrastructure. The system cannot be utilized for electromechanical meters installed prior to 2016, of which Bescom currently maintains approximately 5 lakh units. To address this limitation and expand coverage, Bescom has initiated a phased replacement program for these older meters, strengthening revenue protection measures across its entire service network.
This comprehensive approach to modernizing meter reading infrastructure demonstrates how technological innovation can transform utility management, enhance revenue protection, and rebuild consumer confidence in public services.
