Bengaluru: The rollout of an automated optical port probe meter reading system in Bengaluru delivered major financial gains for the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) by effectively plugging long-standing revenue leakages. In just 5 months since its introduction in Aug-Sept 2025, Bescom prevented revenue losses estimated at nearly ₹120 crore by eliminating scope for manipulation during meter readings. Buoyed by the results, the energy department is now planning to replicate the model across all electricity supply companies (Escoms) in the state.Bescom adopted the optical port probe mechanism to eliminate human error and miscalculation in monthly billing. The system allows electricity meters to connect directly to handheld billing devices through optical probes, enabling accurate and automated readings. TOI first reported on Bescom’s pilot experiment with the technology in its Oct 4, 2025 edition.Earlier, manual meter reading left room for errors and manipulation, with some readers allegedly under-recording consumption to help consumers benefit from lower tariff slabs through mutual understanding. Such practices resulted in substantial revenue losses for the utility. At the same time, Bescom faced frequent consumer complaints of over-billing, denting public confidence.To address these issues, Bescom rolled out the optical port probe system across Bengaluru after a successful pilot in select divisions in August 2025. The automated process virtually eliminated human interference, ensuring accurate, transparent and tamper-proof billing. Bescom caters to around 1.1 crore low-tension (LT) electricity connections, of which 57.08 lakh meters are currently being read using the new system. Senior Bescom officials said that nearly 96 per cent of DLMS-compliant (device language message specification) digital meters installed after 2016 are now covered under the automated process across urban, semi-urban and rural areas.The system, however, cannot be used for electromechanical meters installed prior to 2016. Bescom currently has around 5 lakh such meters, which are being replaced in a phased manner to expand coverage and strengthen revenue protection.
