Solar Push Makes Thousands of Homes Power Bill-Free

*Power Tariff Revision to Have Minimal Impact on Consumers* *Relief Extended to 4.1 Million Domestic Consumers Across Chhattisgarh* *1.45 Million Families Continue to Receive Free Electricity* *No Additional Financial Burden on Farmers Using Irrigation Pumps* *Subsidies, Solar Energy Initiatives and Relief Schemes Protect Majority of Consumers* Raipur, June 16, 2026/ Despite the annual revision of electricity tariffs in Chhattisgarh, the state government has implemented several relief measures to ensure the additional burden on consumers remains minimal. While the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission has approved an average tariff increase of 6.23 percent, equivalent to approximately 42 paise per unit for the financial year 2026–27, the impact on most consumers will remain limited due to initiatives such as the Mukhya Mantri Urja Rahat Yojana, Bijli Bill Samadhan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana. It is noteworthy that the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission, an independent statutory body, determines electricity tariffs in Chhattisgarh. The Commission reviews annual revenue requirements of power utilities, generation costs, coal prices, transmission and distribution expenses, and other financial parameters before deciding tariff rates. Under the revised tariff structure, domestic electricity rates have increased by 30 to 50 paise per unit. However, due to the benefits provided under the Mukhyamantri Urja Rahat Yojana, the majority of households will experience little or no additional financial burden. Chhattisgarh has approximately 51 lakh domestic electricity consumers. Among them, around 14.5 lakh Below Poverty Line (BPL) families continue to receive up to 30 units of electricity free of cost, with the state government bearing the entire expenditure. In addition, around 26.5 lakh consumers with monthly consumption of up to 400 units receive a 50 per cent subsidy on electricity consumption up to 200 units. As a result of these relief measures, nearly 41 lakh domestic consumers will experience either no impact or an increase of approximately 3.65 per cent, despite the tariff revision. *No Additional Cost Burden on Farmers* For the state’s 8,65,000 agricultural consumers, the energy charge has been increased by 40 paise per unit. However, the state government will compensate for the increase through subsidies, ensuring that farmers do not face any additional financial burden. The fixed charges applicable to agricultural pump connections have also been retained at existing levels. *Solar Energy Making Thousands of Homes Bill-Free* To promote energy self-reliance, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana is being implemented rapidly across Chhattisgarh with support from both the Central and State Governments. Approximately 66,000 consumers have already benefited from the scheme, including 16,000 households whose electricity bills have effectively become zero after installing rooftop solar systems. Installation work is currently underway in nearly 89,000 additional households. The state government has set a target of installing solar plants in 500,000 homes over the coming years, significantly reducing electricity costs for consumers. *Significant Relief Through Bijli Bill Samadhan Yojana* The State Government launched the Mukhya Mantri Bijli Bill Samadhan Yojana on March 12, 2026, to provide relief to consumers with outstanding electricity dues. Under the scheme, BPL consumers receive a 75 per cent waiver on the outstanding principal amount, along with a complete waiver of surcharge charges. Domestic and agricultural consumers are provided a 50 per cent waiver on the principal amount and a full exemption from surcharges. Beneficiaries may also pay the remaining dues in up to 60 instalments. So far, applications have been received from approximately 600,000 BPL consumers, 150,000 domestic consumers and 33,000 agricultural consumers. Outstanding dues of around Rs. 1,328 crore have been resolved under the scheme, with Rs. 749 crore in relief extended to consumers. *Focus on Maintaining Industrial Competitiveness* To encourage industrial investment and employment generation, the state government has continued the existing 25 per cent load factor rebate for steel industries. This measure is expected to help industries in Chhattisgarh remain competitive compared to those in neighbouring states and support continued industrial growth. *Special Relief for Tribal Area Hostels* Hostels operating within the Tribal Development Authority regions of Bastar and Surguja have been shifted from the non-domestic category to the domestic electricity category. This special provision will reduce operating costs for these institutions and provide additional financial support to educational facilities in tribal regions. *New Opportunity to Reduce Electricity Costs* Consumers with connected loads exceeding 10 kilowatts in domestic, non-domestic, industrial and public utility categories will receive a discount of up to 5 per cent for electricity consumed during off-peak hours between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Conversely, a 5 per cent surcharge will apply during peak-demand hours. The initiative is expected to encourage more efficient electricity consumption and demand management. *Major Investments Planned for Energy Infrastructure* The state government is making substantial investments to strengthen power generation and distribution infrastructure. Construction of a 2×660 MW supercritical thermal power plant has already commenced, with the first unit expected to become operational by March 2029. In addition, planning is underway for a new 800 MW power plant at Madwa. Over the coming years, the state plans to establish four new 400/132 kV substations, seventeen 220/132 kV substations and thirty-four 132/33 kV substations. To further strengthen distribution infrastructure, construction of 106 new 33/11 kV substations is underway, while plans are being prepared for nearly 300 additional substations across the state. *Balancing Consumer Welfare and System Sustainability* Energy experts believe that the tariff revision remains limited in scope, considering rising power generation and distribution costs, financial liabilities from previous years and the need for continued investment in electricity infrastructure. Through subsidies, relief schemes and solar energy programmes, the state government has sought to ensure that the impact of the tariff revision on ordinary consumers remains minimal while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the power sector.