Tue Mar 18 15:43:14 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Electrical Contractors Stage Indefinite Strike
**Bengaluru, March 18, 2025** – The Karnataka State Licensed Electrical Contractors’ Association launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday, citing several grievances including sharply increased costs for materials and licensing hurdles.
Contractors are protesting the five-fold increase in the price of smart energy meters, from ₹950 to ₹5,000, and are demanding a three-month reprieve at the older price to alleviate financial strain. Further complaints include increased fees within the Electrical Inspectorate and significant delays in obtaining power supply lines exceeding 2 MW capacity.
The association is also demanding exemptions from new educational requirements for grade II contractors hired before 2012 seeking promotion to grade I. Finally, they are calling for financial compensation from electricity supply companies (escoms) for contractors injured or killed while working on escom projects. The strike is expected to significantly impact electrical work across the state.
First Piper 