Patna: Bihar is expected to see an increase in power availability with the imminent commissioning of the second unit of the thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district.
Officials said the new unit will add around 561 megawatts to the state’s electricity supply, reducing dependence on external sources and helping ensure more stable power for consumers.
With the commissioning of the 660MW unit, the total generation capacity of the Chausa project will rise to 1,320MW, of which Bihar is expected to receive a share of approximately 1,122MW.
The project, being developed by SJVN, a joint venture between the central government and the Himachal Pradesh government, has faced delays since its inception in 2013, largely due to land acquisition disputes and protests by farmers over compensation.
The first unit of the plant was synchronised with the national grid in August 2025. The facility uses supercritical technology, which is considered more efficient and less polluting than conventional systems.
Alongside capacity expansion, the state is also preparing to introduce a new electricity billing system based on time-of-day (ToD) tariffs.
The system will apply to more than 8.7 million consumers who have installed smart prepaid meters. Under the new framework, electricity tariffs will vary depending on the time of consumption, replacing the current uniform rate structure.
From April 1, smart meters will record consumption at different times of the day, allowing billing to be calculated accordingly.
Officials said the move is intended to promote efficient energy use and better manage demand across peak and non-peak hours, as the state continues to expand its power infrastructure.
