The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has officially announced that there will be no increase in electricity tariffs for the financial year 2026-27. This decision provides significant relief to over 2.22 crore consumers across the state as the commission rejected the 35 paise per unit hike proposed by power distribution companies. The existing rates will continue to apply from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
What are the key benefits for smart prepaid meter users?
Smart prepaid meter users are set to receive an additional discount of 25 paise per unit on their consumption. This move aims to encourage the adoption of smart meters and improve billing transparency. Along with this discount, the state government continues to provide the first 125 units of electricity for free under the Mukhya Mantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana.
- Smart Meter Discount: 25 paise per unit additional benefit.
- Free Electricity: First 125 units remain free under government subsidy schemes.
- Time of Day (ToD) Tariff: 20% rebate for electricity used between 9 AM and 5 PM.
- Peak Hour Charges: 10% to 20% premium for usage between 5 PM and 11 PM.
How much will consumers save with the new slab system?
The BERC has simplified the tariff structure by merging several slabs into a single category for urban domestic and commercial users. This restructuring will result in an effective reduction in costs for approximately 27 lakh consumers. The merger of slabs makes it easier for the common man to understand their bills and monitor their daily consumption more effectively.
| Consumer Category | Effective Saving Per Unit |
|---|---|
| Urban Domestic Consumers (DS-II) | Rs 1.53 cheaper |
| Urban Commercial Users (NDS-II) | Rs 1.20 cheaper |
| Rural Commercial Users (NDS-I) | 42 paise cheaper |
For an urban domestic consumer with a smart prepaid meter, the base tariff is fixed at Rs 7.42 per unit. If the current state subsidy of Rs 3.30 continues, the effective rate will be around Rs 4.12 per unit. This change ensures that even without a base rate hike, consumers see a reduction in their monthly expenditure due to slab rationalization.
