Major Relief Approved For 2.4 Million Electricity Consumers

Electricity bill relief 

A major decision by the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission has brought significant relief to nearly 24 lakh electricity consumers across the state. The commission has approved a financial adjustment of rupees fifty crore twenty eight lakh for the April to June quarter under the Fuel and Power Purchase Cost Adjustment mechanism. This relief will be reflected in electricity bills issued from January.

Our correspondent reports that the decision follows a petition submitted by the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited. The corporation informed the regulator that its actual power purchase cost for the period was lower than the projected cost. As a result, the regulator determined that consumers were entitled to a reduction in their billing amount. Officials said the revised average purchase rate of electricity stood at rupees five point three nine per unit.

A senior official of the commission said the decision reflects the regulator’s commitment to consumer welfare. He said, “Whenever the cost of purchasing electricity reduces, the benefit must reach the public. This financial adjustment will give genuine relief to households and small businesses across Uttarakhand.” He added that the commission is emphasising greater transparency and has directed the corporation to publish monthly cost calculations on its website by the twenty eighth day of every month.

Officials explained that the relief varies by consumer category. Domestic users will see a reduction ranging between three and nine paise per unit. Commercial consumers will receive a reduction of thirteen paise per unit, while industrial consumers will receive about twelve paise per unit. Agriculture and tubewell consumers will also receive benefits. The revised charges will be applied automatically and require no application from consumers.

A senior manager of the corporation said the decision was expected as international energy markets had stabilised during the April to June period. He said, “Our power procurement cost came down and we are pleased that the reduction will directly benefit consumers. The relief will be applied in the January billing cycle. Consumers should check their statements carefully to understand the revised amounts.”

Consumer groups across the state welcomed the decision. A representative of a consumer rights organisation said, “This reduction has arrived at the right moment. Families are already experiencing financial pressure. A small reduction may seem modest, but for many households it brings real comfort.” The spokesperson also said that clarity in tariff calculations will help consumers understand their bills better.

At the same time, energy experts said that the relief should be viewed as a short term measure. One analyst said, “The adjustment is positive, but the state still faces long term challenges. Transmission losses, rising demand and infrastructure gaps must be addressed to ensure stable supply. Consumers need both affordable electricity and reliable service.”

The corporation has recently introduced incentives for timely payments, including rebates for early settlement of bills. Officials said these steps will improve financial management within the power sector and strengthen revenue collection. They added that the relief approved by the commission will not affect ongoing development projects.

The administration is expected to present district wise data on the relief in the upcoming assembly session. Officials said that remote hilly regions, which often face greater disruption, will also benefit from the adjustment. Efforts are being made to strengthen supply networks and reduce outages in such areas.

Residents expressed hope that the state will continue to take consumer friendly decisions. One resident of Dehradun said, “Electricity costs affect every household. When the government ensures fairness in billing, people feel supported.”

The commission stated that the adjustment marks a step towards ensuring affordable electricity for all. Officials urged consumers to review their January bills and contact the corporation if any discrepancy is observed.