A significant rise in electricity prices has been implemented in Chhattisgarh by the state’s electricity regulator, affecting both households and businesses. This increase of 1.8% means that consumers will have to pay an additional 10-15 paise per unit. This marks the first electricity rate adjustment under the current BJP government. Previous administrations, including the Congress government, had previously raised electricity prices. The Congress government had raised prices twice, resulting in a combined increase of 7.38% during their term in office. The recent hike will see residential consumers paying 10 to 20 paise more per unit. Homes within the Bastar and South Tribal Development Authority, and Surguja and North Region Development Authority areas will now be classified under the domestic consumer category. Temporary connections for domestic use will be charged at 1.25 times the normal tariff, instead of 1.5 times.
Commercial consumers will see an increase of 25 paise per unit. The classification of offset printers and printing presses has changed from LV-2 to LV-5. Commercial temporary connections will also have a tariff of 1.25 times the standard rate. To support the development of communication infrastructure, mobile towers in areas affected by left-wing extremism will receive a 10% discount on energy charges. For agricultural users, electricity rates will increase by 50 paise per unit. The discount on energy charges for non-subsidized agricultural pumps has been raised to 30% from 20%. The commission is continuing to allow farmers to use up to 100 watts for lights and fans connected to their pumps. The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has reviewed the revenue deficits of electricity companies and authorized an annual revenue requirement of ₹25,636.38 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, down from the ₹28,397.64 crore requested. The estimated electricity sales for the coming fiscal year are 36,540 million units, according to the commission. The distribution company’s estimate was 35,727 million units. The estimated revenue deficit for 2025-26 is ₹523.43 crore, a significant decrease from the ₹4947.41 crore predicted by the distribution company.
The process for the price increase commenced on June 20. The commission invited consumers for public hearings. The commission made the decision to increase the rates after considering the viewpoints of domestic and commercial consumers, farmers, and electricity company officials. The State Electricity Distribution Company (CSPDCL) initially proposed a 20% rate increase, citing losses of ₹4550 crore due to reasons like line losses and electricity theft.