27 lakh consumers of Uttarakhand got electric shock, new electricity rates for the year 2024-25 released

Electricity rates in Uttarakhand have increased by about seven percent. Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission on Friday released new electricity rates for the financial year 2024-25. Due to this, about 27 lakh electricity consumers of the state have got a big shock.

There has been no increase in 4.5 lakh BPL consumers, snow bound consumers and fixed charges. The new electricity rates will be considered effective from April 1st. The tariff could not be released in March due to the election code of conduct. For domestic category consumers, there has been an increase of 25 paise per unit for electricity consumption up to 100 units, 30 paise for 101 to 200 units and 40 paise per unit for 201 to 400 units.

Acting Chairman of Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission, ML Prasad said that the discount on solar water heater has been kept at Rs 75 per 50 litres.

Energy Corporation’s proposal was for 23 to 27 percent increase.

It is noteworthy that there was a possibility of increase in electricity prices in the state by 8 to 11 percent. UPCL had demanded an increase of 23 to 27 percent, against which the Regulatory Commission had said that it would take its decision according to the needs of the consumers. This year, UPCL had quoted Rs 1281 crore annually on electricity purchase and had demanded that the electricity rates should be increased by 23-27 percent.

Seven percent increase after considering all aspects

Acting Chairman of Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission said that after discussions with all the stakeholders along with public hearing across the state, it was said that the new electricity rates will be finalized and declared by the end of this week. After deliberating on all aspects, it was expected that the Commission may increase the electricity rates by eight to 11 percent, but the electricity rates have been increased by about seven percent.