Patna: Domestic electricity consumers in Bihar continue to receive the benefit of free electricity up to 125 units every month, a scheme that has been in effect since July 2025, according to the state electricity department.
The department said no meter rent has been charged from consumers since April 2020. For consumers with smart meters, monthly bills are prepared based on electricity consumed during the month and the recorded Maximum Load, generally between the 1st and 2nd of the following month.
If monthly consumption exceeds 125 units, consumers are required to pay energy charges and electricity duty only for the units consumed beyond the free limit, along with the applicable fixed charge based on the recorded Maximum Load.
200 Units Of Consumption To Cost Rs 482.52 After Subsidy
The department has provided an example to explain how billing works for smart meter consumers.
If an urban domestic consumer uses 200 units in a month and has a recorded load of 2 kW, the energy charge for the additional 75 units would be Rs 537.75, calculated at Rs 7.17 per unit.
A 6% electricity duty of Rs 32.27 and a fixed charge of Rs 160 for the 2 kW load would also apply, taking the total bill to Rs 730.02.
After adjustment of the government subsidy of Rs 247.50 for 75 units, the amount payable by the consumer would be Rs 482.52.
RMS Introduced For Electricity Billing
The department has replaced the earlier NIC and SAP billing software with the Revenue Management System (RMS) as part of efforts to improve and integrate the electricity billing system.
According to the department, some technical issues arose during implementation of the new system. These issues are being addressed.
Because of the technical problems, the fixed charge could not be adjusted in the bills of some urban domestic consumers whose monthly consumption exceeded 125 units during June and July 2026.
The department said no electricity connection was disconnected on this account during the period.
Pending Fixed Charges Adjusted In August
After the technical issue was resolved, the pending fixed charges for June and July were adjusted as a one-time adjustment in the August 2026 electricity bills.
The department said the adjustment was made according to the prescribed tariff and no additional amount was charged from consumers beyond the applicable pending fixed charge.
Rs 54.95 Crore Adjusted For 9.48 Lakh Consumers
Smart meters have been installed at the premises of around 95 lakh consumers across Bihar.
Of these, pending fixed charges of approximately Rs 54.95 crore were applicable to 9,48,652 consumers for June and July 2026.
The pending amount was adjusted from the prepaid balances of the affected consumers in August.
Consumers are also being informed about the one-time adjustment through SMS sent to their registered mobile numbers.
Billing Details Available To Consumers
The department said consumers can access a detailed breakup of deductions made in their electricity bills.
Consumers who have complaints or require clarification regarding their bills or the one-time adjustment can contact the toll-free number 1912 for information and resolution.
