Electricity Bill Hike: Now you will have to pay this much per unit, new rates will be applicable from May 1
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People of Jharkhand will have to pay more for electricity from May 1, 2025. Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) has approved an average increase of 6.34%. This decision has been taken keeping in mind the cost of power supply and economic balance. This will especially affect those consumers who do not fall under the purview of 200 unit free electricity scheme.
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Rates increased in both rural and urban areas
This time changes have been made in the electricity rates for both rural and urban consumers. The new rates have been fixed as follows:
- Rural areas:
Earlier one had to pay Rs 6.30 per unit,
now one will have to pay Rs 6.70 per unit - Urban area:
Earlier it was Rs 6.65 per unit,
now it has increased to Rs 6.85 per unit
This means that rural consumers will have to pay 40 paise more and urban consumers will have to pay 20 paise more per unit.
Which consumers will not be affected?
The commission has clarified that this hike will not be applicable on those consumers who use up to 200 units of electricity every month and are taking advantage of the state government’s free electricity scheme. There are a total of about 46 lakh domestic consumers in Jharkhand, out of which about 40 lakh consumers come under the free electricity scheme.
This means that only 6 lakh consumers will have to bear the direct impact of this rate hike.
JBVNL had asked for a 40% increase
Actually, Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) had proposed a huge increase of 40.02% in electricity rates. But JSERC approved only 6.34% without putting additional burden on the common people. Commission member Mahendra Prasad said that this decision was necessary to match the stability and cost of the state’s power system. He also clarified that this will improve revenue which will help in maintaining the quality of power supply.
Why were electricity rates increased?
- Increase in cost of electricity production and supply
- The need to maintain the economic stability of the state
- Funding is needed to improve infrastructure
- Efforts to recover outstanding bills and improve the distribution network
What did consumers say?
Many consumers expressed their displeasure as soon as they got information about the rate hike. Especially the middle class families of urban areas say that this increase in electricity rates amid rising inflation can further spoil their budget.
What is the government’s preparation?
The state government says that the 200 unit free electricity scheme will continue which will provide relief to more consumers. At the same time, the government is also ensuring that the power supply is not interrupted and the service quality is better.
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