The revised electricity tariffs are ensuring relief for rural and tribal communities and fostering growth across the state

RAIPUR, CG (INDIA): The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) on Friday approved the electricity tariffs for FY 2025-26, announcing only a marginal 1.89% average increase across all categories. The revision is directed for Chhattisgarh State Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution Companies, along with the State Load Dispatch Centre. Officials described the hike as nominal and structured to be equitable for rural, tribal, and priority sector consumers.

Distribution company MD Bhim Singh Kanwar said the actual cost of electricity is Rs 7.02 per unit, but domestic consumers continue to receive it at a subsidized rate starting at Rs 4.10 per unit. For lower middle-class households, the tariff has been increased by just 10 paise per unit, and by 20 paise for other domestic consumers. Temporary domestic connections, earlier charged at 1.5 times the normal rate, will now be billed at 1.25 times the standard rate. Additionally, cowsheds, tribal hostels, and stay homes in Surguja and Bastar have now been reclassified as domestic consumers to avail of lower rates.

For agricultural pumps, the tariff has gone up by 50 paise per unit, but the burden will be borne entirely by the state government. The 20% energy charge discount for non-subsidized agricultural pumps has been increased to 30%. The Commission has also retained the provision allowing use of up to 100-watt load for lights and fans near farm pumps, benefitting farmers guarding their fields.

In a bid to encourage women-led enterprises, the 10% discount in energy charges for women self-help group-run businesses has been retained. Similarly, the 5% discount for hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centres operating in rural and tribal regions will continue. Energy charge discounts for Poha and Murmura mills have been increased from 5% to 10%. Offset printers and printing presses have been shifted from the non-domestic to the industrial category, which entails a lower tariff.

To promote clean energy, EV charging tariffs for low-pressure connections have been fixed at Rs 7.02 per unit, while high-pressure connections will be charged Rs 6.32 per KVAH. Consumers who pay their bills in advance will now receive a 1.25% discount, up from 0.50%.

In Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts notified by the state government, all mobile towers will receive a 10% concession in energy charges to support better telecom infrastructure. Temporary non-domestic connections will also see relief, with the rate reduced from 1.5 times to 1.25 times the normal tariff.

Officials said the revised tariff is a balanced and inclusive move aimed at protecting the interests of rural, agricultural and tribal consumers, while encouraging digital connectivity, clean energy, and economic empowerment through targeted subsidies.