Jharkhand Electricity Regulator Approves 6.12% Tariff Hike, Cuts EV and Solar Rates
In a decision that will impact household budgets across the state, the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC) has given its nod for a revision in the power tariff of Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL), effective from April 1 this year. The move comes after the commission rejected the discom's earlier proposal for a steep 59% increase in November last year, opting instead for a more moderate escalation of 6.12% across several consumer categories.
Revised Domestic and Commercial Tariffs
Domestic consumers will see their electricity bills rise, with urban users facing an increase of Rs 0.55 per unit, bringing the cost to Rs 7.4 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the previous Rs 6.85. Rural domestic consumers will pay Rs 7.2 per unit, up by Rs 0.5 from Rs 6.7. Notably, domestic high-tension (HT) consumers are hit with a steeper hike of Rs 0.8 per kVAh. However, in a relief to the agricultural sector, the commission has imposed no tariff increase for farmers.
Commercial users are also affected, with urban commercial units now priced at Rs 7.3 per unit and rural commercial units at Rs 6.7. This revision follows a previous tariff increase of 6.34% implemented by JBVNL in May last year.
New Category for Large Establishments and Incentives
In a first for Jharkhand, JSERC has introduced a separate commercial high-tension category specifically for large establishments such as hospitals and shopping malls, setting a tariff of Rs 8 per kVAh. Fixed charges across all categories remain unchanged, and meter rent has been completely abolished for all consumers, as confirmed by JSERC chairperson (Retd) Justice Navneet Kumar.
To promote timely payments and modern infrastructure, the commission has announced rebates: a 2% discount for consumers who settle their bills within five days, and a 3% rebate on energy charges for those opting for prepaid smart meters.
Reductions in EV and Solar Tariffs
In a positive development for green energy adoption, JSERC has slashed the proposed rates for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging and solar energy. EV charging stations will now be charged Rs 7 per unit during solar hours (9 am to 4 pm) and Rs 8.7 during off-peak times, significantly lower than the discom's proposed rates of Rs 8.3 and Rs 12.46 per unit, respectively. This revised tariff also marks a reduction from the existing rates of Rs 7.31 per unit during solar hours and Rs 8.77 per unit during non-solar hours.
Additionally, rooftop solar adoption has been incentivized with approved tariffs of Rs 4.16 per unit for gross metering and Rs 3.8 per unit for net metering, encouraging more consumers to switch to renewable energy sources.
Enhanced Consumer Grievance Redressal
To ensure better service delivery, JSERC has directed JBVNL to include details of the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) on every electricity bill. The commission has also mandated virtual meetings of CGRF with consumers to reach a wider audience, addressing the current limitation of only five CGRFs across the state.
Financial Oversight and Revenue Approval
The regulatory body took a firm stance on JBVNL's financial claims, approving an annual revenue requirement of Rs 10,832.7 crore against the utility's demand of over Rs 12,678 crore. This decision underscores JSERC's commitment to balancing consumer interests with the discom's operational needs.
Overall, while the tariff hike may strain household budgets, the reductions in EV and solar rates, along with rebates and improved grievance mechanisms, aim to foster a more efficient and consumer-friendly electricity ecosystem in Jharkhand.
