Patna: Electricity consumers in Bihar are set to face a revised tariff structure from April 1, 2026, with officials indicating that the move could increase bills for rural households while offering potential relief to some urban users. A final decision on the tariff revision is expected around March 15 and 16, after which the new rates will remain in force until March 31, 2027.
The proposed restructuring follows an order by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, which directed power utilities to clear long-pending dues dating back to 2012. The tribunal mandated payment of approximately Rs 1,100 crore with interest, and when combined with other liabilities, the total financial burden is estimated to reach Rs 3,200 crore.
The outstanding dues originate from the 2012 unbundling of the state electricity board, when multiple power companies were created. At the time, the state government had agreed to absorb legacy liabilities, but payments have remained pending. Distribution companies have now pushed for tariff adjustments as a means of recovering the accumulated costs.
Officials say the impact of the restructuring will vary across regions. Rural domestic consumers are likely to see higher bills due to cost-adjustment measures and the absence of multiple tariff slabs that could be rationalised. Urban consumers, however, may benefit from the merger of two existing slabs, a move expected to reduce the average effective tariff for many households.
The tariff revision highlights the continuing challenge of balancing financial sustainability for power utilities with consumer affordability. With legacy dues and operational costs weighing on distribution companies, the forthcoming decision is likely to have significant implications for household budgets and the state’s broader energy policy.
