Patna: Nearly 40% of domestic electricity consumers in Patna paid no power bills in December, reflecting the growing impact of the Bihar government’s scheme that provides free electricity for consumption up to 125 units.
The scheme, which came into effect on August 1, 2025, began offering relief from July bills onwards. Its most visible impact has now emerged in winter, when electricity use typically rises. Data from the Patna Electricity Supply Unit (PESU) show that 39.33% of domestic consumers recorded zero bills in December after keeping their monthly usage below the 125-unit threshold.
PESU supplies electricity to 6,27,284 registered domestic consumers across 13 divisions in the city. Of these, 2,46,719 households consumed less than 125 units in December and therefore paid nothing for electricity, significantly reducing monthly expenses for a large section of residents.
The trend was particularly strong in eastern Patna, which includes six divisions—Bankipur, Rajendra Nagar, Rajendra Nagar-I, Rajendra Nagar-II, Patna City and Gulzarbagh. Out of 2,79,503 domestic consumers in this zone, 1,44,378 recorded zero bills.
In the western zone, covering seven divisions including Ashiana, Danapur, Dak Bungalow, Gardanibagh, Khagaul, Nutan Rajdhani and Patliputra, 1,02,341 of the 3,47,781 domestic consumers benefited from the scheme.
A division-wise breakdown shows notable variation. Kankarbagh-II recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, with 37,022 of its 69,010 consumers using less than 125 units. At the other end of the spectrum, Dak Bungalow division saw only 5,167 of its 17,960 consumers fall within the free electricity limit. Khagaul division had the highest overall number of domestic consumers, while Dak Bungalow had the fewest.
Beyond financial relief, officials say the scheme is also shaping consumption behaviour. To remain within the free limit, households are reportedly cutting back on unnecessary electricity use, reinforcing broader goals of energy conservation and responsible consumption.
With milder weather expected in February and March—reducing the need for heaters, geysers and fans—officials anticipate that an even larger number of households could qualify for zero electricity bills in the coming months, further extending the scheme’s impact.
