Patna: In line with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent announcement, domestic electricity consumers across Bihar will now receive 125 units of electricity free each month starting July. South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited (SBPDCL) has begun rolling out the initiative, notifying consumers via SMS and making backend changes to ensure seamless implementation.
According to a statement by SBPDCL, no fixed charges will be levied on households consuming up to 125 units per month. The move is aimed at easing the financial burden on residential users amid rising utility costs. “To provide greater relief on electricity bills, the government has waived all charges for up to 125 units of domestic consumption,” said a company spokesperson.
In accordance with the new policy, the fixed daily charges—typically deducted from prepaid meter balances—have been temporarily suspended. These charges will now be applicable only if a consumer’s usage exceeds the 125-unit limit.
Backend System Updates in Progress
Power company officials informed that necessary technical modifications have been made to the smart meter server systems to enable the automatic adjustment of the 125-unit subsidy. The updated system is currently undergoing trial operations to ensure accuracy and reliability.
“Once the server trials are successfully completed, the deduction of 125 units will be reflected automatically in the bills generated for July,” said a senior official from the power company’s headquarters.
For consumers using postpaid connections, the adjustment will reflect in their monthly bills, with the first 125 units deducted from the total charge and only the remaining balance payable.
Variable Billing Dates to Affect Timing of Adjustments
SBPDCL’s General Manager of Revenue stated that the billing dates vary across consumers, so the subsidy benefit will be applied individually based on when each consumer’s July bill is generated. “Whenever the bill is issued, the corresponding benefit will be credited as per their consumption for the month of July,” he said.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by consumers, particularly in rural and low-income urban households, who stand to benefit most from the cost savings.
The scheme is part of the Bihar government’s broader push to improve access to affordable electricity and reduce the cost burden on residents. Officials confirmed that a similar process is being followed by the North Bihar Power Distribution Company (NBPDCL) for consumers under its jurisdiction.
