Patna: In a major populist move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced free electricity for domestic consumers up to 125 units per month, effective from August 1, 2025. The benefit will be applicable from the electricity bill of July and is expected to cover over 1.67 crore households across the state.
Taking to social media, Nitish Kumar said, “We have been providing electricity to everyone at affordable rates since the beginning. Now, from August 1, all domestic consumers in Bihar will not have to pay anything for the first 125 units. This move will directly benefit 1 crore 67 lakh families.”
Solar Power Push Alongside Subsidy
The Chief Minister also revealed plans to promote solar energy adoption in the state. Over the next three years, rooftop or community-based solar power plants will be installed with the consent of domestic consumers. These systems aim to generate up to 10,000 MW of solar energy, significantly boosting Bihar’s renewable energy capacity.
For extremely poor families, the government will fully fund the solar panel installations under the Kutir Jyoti Yojana, while financial assistance will be provided to other eligible families.
“Our goal is to ensure that not only do families get free electricity up to 125 units, but also contribute to the state’s solar energy capacity,” Kumar said.
Existing Consumers with Smart Meters to Benefit Further
Currently, Bihar has around 2.08 crore electricity consumers, out of which 60 lakh households have already been fitted with smart prepaid meters. These consumers are already receiving a 25 paise per unit discount and will now also get 100 units of electricity free every month under the revised scheme.
Rural Tariff Comparison and Election Context
At present, rural consumers pay ₹7.42 per unit for the first 50 units, which comes down to ₹4.52 per unit after subsidies. The new plan is expected to significantly ease the financial burden, especially in rural and low-income households.
Political observers view this initiative as a strategic move by the Nitish Kumar-led government to garner voter support ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections.
