The Chhattisgarh Electricity Regulatory Commission has sanctioned revised electricity rates for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Domestic tariffs will increase by 30 to 50 paise per unit, while non‑domestic rates will see a rise of 20 to 40 paise per unit. Agricultural pumps will also experience a 40-paise-per-unit hike, with farmers receiving a higher rebate on non‑subsidised connections, now raised from 30% to 40%.
The proposed steep hike of 8.40 paise per unit by the electricity distribution company was scaled down by the Commission to 7.13 paise per unit, representing a more modest 6.23% average increase. Despite this adjustment, the decision is anticipated to impact household budgets and farming expenses. The average billing rate for 2026–27 has been set at Rs 6.71 per unit, which is 42 paise lower than the average cost rate of Rs 7.13 per unit.
In addition to tariff modifications, various structural changes have been implemented. Electricity rates for local body offices, student hostels in rural areas, and specific public utilities have been reclassified under the domestic category, reducing expenses for these entities. Farmers retain permission to use lights and fans up to 100 watts near pumps for field‑related requirements, as confirmed by Commission officials.
Further adjustments include a revision of the delayed payment surcharge from 1.5% per month to 0.04% per day, alterations in rebates for prepaid meter consumers, and the expansion of electric vehicle charging tariffs to those selecting minus metering. Commission members Vinod Ganodwale (Legal) and Ajay Kumar Singh (Technical), alongside Secretary Surya Prakash Shukla, clarified that the approved electricity sales are 39,760 million units and an Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) of Rs 28,348 crore, deviating from the company’s initial projections.
The company’s claimed revenue deficit of Rs 6,304 crore was reduced by the Commission to Rs 1,662 crore. While striving to balance consumer interests with financial sustainability, the tariff hike is expected to impact residents statewide, resulting in higher electricity costs in the upcoming months.
