Minor hikes for domestic, non-domestic, agri consumers, significant reforms for Industry

 

 

 

 

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) on Friday announced revised electricity tariffs for the financial year 2025-26, effective from July 1, 2025. The new tariff order reflects an average increase of 1.89 per cent in electricity rates from the currently prevailing figures, aiming to meet the revenue requirements of State’s power companies. The Commission has approved an annual revenue requirement of Rs 25,636.38 crore for the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Distribution Company, adjusting it from the initially demanded Rs 28,397.64 crore. The estimated power sale for the upcoming fiscal year has been set at 36,540 million units, up from 35,727 million units. Consequently, the estimated revenue deficit from the existing tariff on the projected electricity sale for FY 2025-26 has been adjusted to Rs 523.43 crore from Rs 4947.41 crore.

 

The average electricity supply rate for FY 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 7.02 per unit, aligning with the average electricity billing rate under the new tariff. Electricity rates for domestic consumers will see an increase ranging from 10 paise to 20 paise per unit. In a new provision, Gaushalas (cow shelters) located in the Bastar and South Zone Tribal Development Authority, and Surguja and North Zone Development Authority areas, will now be charged at domestic electricity rates (LV-1 category). Temporary domestic connections will now be billed at 1.25 times the normal tariff, a reduction from the previous 1.5 times.

 

Electricity rates for non-domestic consumers will increase by 25 paise per unit. Offset printers and printing press consumers have been reclassified from LV-2 to LV-5 category. Temporary non-domestic connections will also benefit from the reduced tariff multiplier, now set at 1.25 times the normal tariff instead of 1.5 times. To encourage improved communication systems in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, mobile towers in these areas will receive a 10 per cent discount on energy charges. Electricity rates for agricultural pumps have been increased by 50 paise per unit. The rebate for consumers with non-subsidised agricultural electric pumps has been enhanced from 20 per cent to 30 per cent in energy charges.

 

The facility allowing up to 100 watts of load near agricultural pumps for lighting and fans, intended for guarding fields, has been continued. The Time of Day (TOD) tariff has been introduced for consumers with loads exceeding 10 kW in LV-1, LV-2, LV-5, LV-6, and LV-7 categories. This includes a 5 per cent discount during off-peak hours (9 AM to 5 PM) and a 5 per cent surcharge during peak hours (5 PM to 11 PM). The minimum billing demand applicable to low-pressure categories has been raised from 80 per cent to 85 per cent.

 

The load limit for low-pressure connections has been increased from 112.5 kW (150 HP) to 150 kW (200 HP), with the corresponding tariff now applicable up to this new limit. A 1.5 per cent discount in energy charges will be provided to low-pressure consumers whose billing is done in pre-paid mode through smart meters. To promote open access to low-pressure renewable energy, a wheeling loss of 10 per cent has been prescribed while determining wheeling charges. The electric vehicle charging tariff for LV electric vehicle charging units has been fixed at the average electricity cost, which is Rs 7.02 per unit, to promote environmental conservation. A 10 per cent rebate in ener