TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 11, 2025: In a move aimed at balancing fiscal responsibility with social welfare, the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has approved a modest revision in power tariffs for the financial year 2025–26. The average increase has been restricted to just 1.89%, ensuring continued relief for domestic, rural, tribal, and priority sector consumers.
While the actual cost of electricity in the state stands at ₹7.02 per unit, domestic consumers will continue to receive heavily subsidized power, with rates starting at ₹4.10 per unit. The revised tariffs introduce only a marginal hike—10 paise per unit for lower-middle-class users and 20 paise per unit for other domestic households.
Support for Farmers and Tribal Areas
To shield the agricultural sector, a 50 paise per unit increase in tariffs for agricultural pump sets has been fully absorbed by the state government, ensuring no additional cost burden on farmers. Non-subsidized agricultural users will now receive a 30% discount in energy charges, up from the earlier 20%. Farmers can also continue to use up to 100 watts for lighting and fans near pump sets, aiding field protection at night.
Tribal and Rural Priorities Preserved
Cowsheds, stay homes, and tribal hostels in Bastar, Surguja, and other tribal authority regions have been reclassified as domestic connections, making them eligible for lower electricity rates. Temporary domestic connections, earlier billed at 1.5 times the standard rate, will now be charged at 1.25 times, providing further economic relief.
Telecom Boost in LWE Zones
To enhance digital connectivity in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts, mobile towers operating in these regions will benefit from a 10% concession in energy charges, a move expected to accelerate telecom infrastructure development.
Clean Energy and EV Charging Aligned with National Goals
The tariff for electric vehicle (EV) charging has been rationalized to promote green energy. The low-tension (LT) EV charging rate has been set at ₹7.02 per unit, while high-tension (HT) users will be charged ₹6.32 per KVAH.
Boost for SHGs and Rural Enterprises
Businesses run by registered women self-help groups (SHGs) will continue to enjoy a 10% discount on energy charges, supporting women-led micro-enterprises. Similarly, hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centres in rural and tribal regions will benefit from a 5% concession on electricity charges.
Economic Relief for Small Industries
Offset printers and printing presses have been reclassified from non-domestic to industrial category, entitling them to lower tariffs. Units involved in Poha and Murmura processing will now receive a 10% concession, up from 5%. Consumers making advance payments will be rewarded with a 1.25% rebate, up from the earlier 0.5%, to encourage timely payments.
Equitable and Growth-Oriented Policy
Power Distribution Company MD Bhim Singh Kanwar termed the tariff changes as balanced and equitable. “The structure is designed to support growth while protecting the most vulnerable. The government remains committed to inclusive development,” he stated.
With its careful blend of affordability, sustainability, and sectoral incentives, Chhattisgarh’s revised power tariff plan for 2025–26 aims to power the state’s growth while keeping electricity within the reach of its people.
