Electricity and water are the lifelines of any construction project, and they are also among the most common causes of delay at the end of one. In Bangalore, electricity is supplied by BESCOM, while water supply and sewerage in the city area are managed by BWSSB. In peripheral areas, water may come from the local body or a borewell. This guide explains how connections work for a new house, from the temporary supply you need during construction to permanent connections at handover.
Stage 1: temporary electricity for construction
Construction needs power for mixers, vibrators, water pumps, cutting tools, lighting and welding. Most projects apply for a temporary power connection from BESCOM at the start. The tariff for temporary connections is higher than domestic rates, so it is worth planning the load sensibly.
Typical requirements include:
- Ownership documents such as the sale deed or khata
- Sanctioned building plan
- Owner ID proof
- Wiring and installation work by a licensed electrical contractor
- Security deposit and fees based on the load sanctioned
Applications are now largely online through BESCOM's portal. Your builder or electrical contractor usually handles the process.
Stage 2: water during construction
Construction uses a lot of water for concrete, curing and plastering. Many sites rely on tanker water or a borewell during the build. Where a BWSSB connection already exists for the plot, check whether it can be used for construction and what rules apply. Plan your sump early, because it can store water for construction as well as for the finished home. Water and tanker costs are among the hidden costs of house construction that homeowners often miss.
Stage 3: permanent electricity connection
Once the house is ready, the temporary connection is converted or replaced with a permanent domestic connection. For a multi-unit building, each unit gets its own meter, plus a common meter for lifts, pumps and common lighting.
Documents commonly needed:
- Sale deed and khata or e-Khata. See our e-Khata guide.
- Sanctioned plan and, where required, occupancy certificate. See our OC guide.
- Completion report from a licensed electrical contractor
- Load details and meter board layout
- ID proof and photographs
For larger buildings, BESCOM may require a transformer or additional infrastructure, which adds cost and time. Your electrical consultant should calculate the load early so this does not come as a surprise.
Stage 4: water and sewage connections
In the BWSSB area, a new building applies for a water supply connection and a sanitary (sewage) connection. Charges depend on the built-up area and the type of building, and multi-unit buildings pay more. Where there is no sewer line, a septic tank or, for larger buildings, a sewage treatment plant may be required as per the rules.
Typical documents include the sale deed, khata, sanctioned plan, OC where applicable, plumbing completion details, rainwater harvesting proof and ID proof.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is mandatory for new buildings in Bangalore above the specified plot size. BWSSB can levy penalties on buildings without RWH. Plan the RWH system at the design stage, with roof water collected into a sump or recharge pits. Golden Homes designs include RWH provisions as standard.
Separate meters for rental floors
If you are building a G+2 or stilt plus three with rental units, plan separate meters from the start. Tenants prefer their own electricity and water meters, and separate meters also avoid disputes over bills. Plan:
- A meter room or board with space for all meters
- Separate sub-main cables to each unit
- A common meter for pumps, lift and lighting
- Separate water lines or sub-meters where practical
Our guide to planning a rental income home covers layouts that make this easy.
Typical timeline
| Step | When | Usual duration |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary power | Before foundation | A few days to a few weeks |
| Water source for construction | Before foundation | Immediate (tanker) or borewell |
| Permanent power | At completion | A few weeks, longer if a transformer is needed |
| Water and sewage | At completion | A few weeks, depending on documents |
Planning the electrical load
Getting the sanctioned load right matters. Too low, and you will face tripping and may need to apply for an increase later. Too high, and you pay higher fixed charges every month. A typical 3 BHK home with air conditioners in two or three bedrooms, a geyser in each bathroom, an induction cooktop and a water pump may need a sanctioned load in the range of 5 to 10 kW, but every home is different. Your electrical consultant should prepare a load calculation based on your actual appliance plan. If you plan an EV charger, rooftop solar or a home lift, include them now. Our guide to electrical wiring and plumbing materials explains how to choose wires and pipes for a safe, long-lasting installation.
Borewells and peripheral areas
In areas outside the BWSSB network, homes often rely on borewells and tanker water. Borewells may require permission or registration under the rules that apply in your area, and depth and yield vary a lot from site to site. If your plot is in a growing area such as Electronic City or Begur, check with neighbours and the local body about the water situation before finalising your sump and tank sizes.
Tips to avoid delays
- Apply for temporary power as soon as your plan is sanctioned.
- Keep the khata and tax records up to date. See A Khata vs B Khata.
- Ask your electrical consultant to calculate the final load at design stage.
- Build strictly to the sanctioned plan so that the OC and connections are smooth.
- Keep digital copies of every document and receipt.
How Golden Homes helps
As a design and build company, we plan connections as part of the project, not as an afterthought. Our team prepares the electrical and plumbing layouts, coordinates with licensed contractors and helps you with the paperwork at each step. See how we work or contact us to discuss your project.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a temporary power connection for construction in Bangalore?
Apply to BESCOM, usually online, with your ownership documents, sanctioned plan and ID proof. A licensed electrical contractor sets up the installation, and you pay a deposit based on the load.
Is rainwater harvesting compulsory in Bangalore?
Yes, for new buildings above the specified plot size. BWSSB can levy penalties on buildings that do not have it, so it should be planned in the design.
Can each floor of my house have a separate electricity meter?
Yes. Multi-unit buildings commonly have separate meters for each unit plus a common meter for pumps and common areas. Plan the meter board early.
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