Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission Announces Stable Tariffs for Fifth Consecutive Year
In a significant development for electricity consumers across Odisha, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has declared that retail power tariffs will remain unchanged for the upcoming 2026-27 financial year. This decision, announced on Tuesday, marks the fifth consecutive year without a tariff hike, providing continued financial relief to both domestic households and industrial users throughout the state. The new tariff structure is set to take effect from April 1, ensuring stability in electricity costs amid rising expenses in other sectors.
Detailed Tariff Structure for Domestic Consumers
According to the official tariff order released by the OERC, domestic consumers will continue to benefit from the existing rate slabs. Users consuming up to 50 units of electricity per billing cycle will be charged at Rs 2.90 per unit. For consumption between 51 and 200 units, the rate remains Rs 4.70 per unit. Those using between 201 and 400 units will pay Rs 5.70 per unit, while usage exceeding 400 units will be billed at Rs 6.10 per unit. This consistent pricing framework aims to protect consumers from inflationary pressures seen in many other states.
New Consumer Incentives and Digital Promotion Measures
OERC Secretary Priyabrata Patnaik, addressing the media during a press briefing, highlighted that the commission's commitment to consumer interests is reflected in this prolonged tariff stability. "Keeping the tariff unchanged for five straight years demonstrates our dedication to safeguarding consumer welfare," he stated. Among the key initiatives for 2026-27, the OERC has introduced a 4% rebate for all pre-paid consumers on their recharge amounts. Additionally, a Rs 10 discount per bill will be offered to consumers who opt for electronic billing, a move designed to encourage digital transactions within the power sector and reduce paper usage.
Introduction of Time of Day Tariffs and Smart Meter Integration
In a progressive step towards modernizing the state's power distribution, the OERC has mandated that Time of Day (ToD) tariffs will now apply to all consumers equipped with smart meters. Under this system, electricity consumed during solar hours from 8 am to 4 pm will be priced 10% lower than the standard tariff for that consumer category. The period from 6 pm to midnight will be classified as peak hours, while normal hours from 4 pm to 6 pm will not see any ToD adjustments. This initiative is intended to incentivize consumers to shift part of their electricity usage to daytime solar hours, thereby helping to manage peak demand and promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
Enhanced Consumer Choice and Transparency Measures
Further empowering consumers, the commission has approved open access for power purchase, allowing users to freely select their preferred distribution companies (discoms). In a landmark recommendation, the OERC has urged the state government to conduct a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit of all discoms to ensure operational transparency and accountability. Discoms have also been directed to complete end-to-end smart metering of the entire 11 kV feeder network, including all associated lines, which represents a major advancement in modernizing Odisha's electricity distribution infrastructure.
One-Time Claim Scheme for Disconnected Consumers
To address long-standing consumer grievances, the OERC has announced a one-time claim scheme for the 2026-27 period. This initiative is designed to assist permanently disconnected consumers in retrieving their security deposits that remain with discoms. Claimants will need to provide valid documentation to prove their previous consumer status. Patnaik emphasized that this measure aims to clear pending dues and ensure that consumer deposits do not remain unclaimed indefinitely, thereby enhancing trust in the regulatory system.
The OERC's comprehensive announcements underscore a balanced approach to maintaining affordable electricity while introducing innovative measures to improve efficiency, transparency, and consumer satisfaction in Odisha's power sector.
