Patna: Durga Puja pandals in Patna will have to pay the full prescribed electricity connection charges this year, after the Patna Electricity Supply Undertaking (PESU) issued directions removing the subsidy available on such connections.
The directive was issued by PESU General Manager-cum-Chief Engineer Dilip Kumar Singh. It states that electricity connections for puja pandals should be provided according to the prescribed service connection charges.
However, GST will not be charged on the connection fee. The applicable fee schedule does not provide for any subsidy. Puja pandals will also not get the benefit of the Time of Day (TOD) tariff available to consumers with smart prepaid meters.
Charges Based On Sanctioned Load
The total amount payable by a puja pandal will depend on its sanctioned electricity load. For a 1 KVAH load, the total charge is Rs 1,878, including load, power factor, day and hour charges, service connection charges and the application fee.
For connections up to 4 KVAH, the service connection charge is Rs 800, along with an application fee of Rs 150. For connections above 4 KVAH, the service connection charge is Rs 1,800 and the application fee is Rs 400.
The overall charge increases as the sanctioned load rises. According to the current schedule, a 10 KVAH connection costs Rs 11,481, while a 20 KVAH connection costs Rs 20,762.
Most Pandals Need 10-20 KW Connections
PESU data shows that most puja pandals generally require 10 to 20 kW temporary connections. These connections are usually provided for three days during the festival.
Larger pandals and major events require substantially higher loads. At major locations such as Dakbungalow Chowk, the requirement can reach 70 to 80 kW.
591 Pandals Got Connections In 2025
In 2025, 591 of 666 puja pandals in Patna received temporary electricity connections. The puja committees deposited a total of Rs 24.45 lakh for these connections.
In 2024, temporary connections were provided to 602 of 630 pandals, with committees depositing Rs 26.65 lakh.
Safety Rules To Be Enforced
PESU has directed electrical officials to complete preparations for safe and uninterrupted electricity supply during Durga Puja.
Officials have also been instructed to ensure that pandals follow the safety requirements prescribed under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.
A prescribed vertical and horizontal clearance between pandals and electrical wires will have to be maintained. Electrical installations that do not meet the required safety standards may face action.
The wider power-supply preparations across Bihar also include replacing damaged wires near pandals, protecting exposed conductors in crowded areas and maintaining round-the-clock monitoring during the festival.
Where Pandals Can Apply
Puja committees have to apply for temporary electricity connections at their respective PESU electricity supply divisions.
PESU has 13 divisions covering areas including Kankarbagh, Patna City, Gulzarbagh, Bankipore, Rajendra Nagar, Fatuha, Danapur, Nutan Rajdhani, Patliputra, Gardanibagh, Dakbungalow and Khagaul.
