By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Ahead of Diwali 2024, the Bihar Electricity Department has brought great news for consumers, as the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission has rejected a proposal to raise electricity rates. After reviewing a petition filed by the state’s power company, the Commission decided that there will be no increase in electricity prices in Bihar. This decision was delivered by Chairman Aamir Subhani, along with members Arun Kumar Sinha and P.S. Yadav.
The Bihar Electricity Department considered several points raised by the power company, particularly concerning its expenditure and revenue. Earlier in March, the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission had introduced a new tariff structure, effective from 1st April, which included a reduction of 15 paise per unit instead of increasing the electricity rate, despite the company’s proposal to do so.
Following this, the power company submitted a review petition, challenging 17 specific points in the Commission’s decision. The company argued that there had been an error in calculating its financials, particularly with respect to income, expenses, and the cost of purchasing electricity. The company claimed that a proper evaluation of these factors would warrant an increase in electricity rates in Bihar.
The company also raised concerns regarding distribution and technical losses, and the omission of higher-than-market electricity procurement costs in the Commission’s assessment. However, after reviewing the arguments, the Commission made adjustments to the company’s income figures but ultimately dismissed the proposal for a tariff hike.
Currently, in Bihar, domestic consumers are charged Rs 2.45 per unit for up to 50 units. If usage exceeds 50 units, the rate rises to Rs 2.85 per unit. For urban domestic consumers, the rate is Rs 4.12 per unit for up to 100 units, and Rs 5.52 per unit thereafter. Under the Cottage Jyoti Yojana, consumers are charged Rs 1.97 per unit for up to 50 units.
With the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission’s ruling, power tariffs in the state will remain unchanged, providing much-needed relief to consumers ahead of Diwali. This decision has been viewed as a significant gesture from the department, sparing the people of Bihar from any increase in electricity prices.
