Power tariff revised in Chhattisgarh; 41 lakh domestic consumers to see marginal impact
Raipur
The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has approved a revision in electricity tariffs, with officials stating that the increase will have only a marginal impact on nearly 41 lakh of the state’s 51 lakh domestic consumers. For most households, the effective increase in power bills will range between 0% to 3.65%, while farmers will remain unaffected as the state government will absorb the additional burden.
Under the revised tariff structure, the commission has approved an average power supply cost of ₹7.13 per unit. However, domestic consumers will continue to receive electricity at a minimum energy charge of ₹4.40 per unit, significantly lower than the average cost of supply.
Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company (CSPDCL) Managing Director Bhim Singh Kanwar said that electricity tariffs are determined by the State Electricity Regulatory Commission, an independent statutory body. He noted that the latest revision reflects an average increase of 6.23%, translating to about 42 paise per unit.
According to the revised rates, domestic electricity charges have been increased by 30 paise to 50 paise per unit. However, the actual burden on consumers will be substantially reduced due to subsidies provided under the Mukhya Mantri Urja Rahat Yojana.
Official figures show that around 14.5 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers receive up to 30 units of free electricity, with the state government bearing the entire cost. In addition, nearly 26.5 lakh consumers using up to 400 units per month will continue to receive a 50% subsidy on consumption up to 200 units under the welfare scheme.
As a result, the impact of the tariff revision on a majority of domestic consumers is expected to remain limited, with effective increases ranging from nil to 3.65%.
Kanwar further said that the government is encouraging households to adopt rooftop solar systems under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, with both central and state subsidies. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on grid power and lower long-term electricity expenses.
