Power consumers in Himachal Pradesh will have to pay higher electricity bills starting January 2025, with the inclusion of milk and environment surcharge in the revised tariff.
The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) has finalised preparations to implement the hiked changes, pending a formal notification from the government.
Once the notification will be issued, the new rates will take effect, hitting over 27 lakh consumers in the state. Domestic users will see an increase of 10 paise per unit, while other categories could face a hike of up to Rs 2 per unit.
Milk surcharge for domestic consumers
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has approved the Electricity Fee Amendment Act, 2024, which was passed during the monsoon session of the Assembly.
The software modifications required for implementation will begin as soon as the government approval is granted. According to board officials, December bills will follow the existing tariff, but the revised rates are expected to come into force in January.
Under the new structure, domestic consumers will pay an additional 10 paise per unit as a milk surcharge. However, this category will be exempt from the environment surcharge. Consumers with zero bills will also not be charged the milk surcharge.
Categories subject to both surcharge
Industries (small, medium and large), commercial establishments, stone crushers, temporary connections and electric vehicle charging stations will be subject to both milk and environment surcharge. The environment surcharge rates will vary:
• Small industries: 2 paise per unit
• Medium industries: 4 paise per unit
• Large industries: 10 paise per unit
• Commercial consumers: 10 paise per unit
• Temporary connections: Rs 2 per unit
• Stone crushers: Rs 2 per unit
• EV charging stations: Rs 6 per unit
Subsidy limited to one connection per consumer
Starting January, each consumer will be eligible for a subsidy on only one electricity meter. Currently, e-KYC verification of consumers is underway across the state. Households with multiple connections will have to pay non-subsidised rates for all but one.
Families owning properties in both urban and rural areas, who currently enjoy zero charges for consuming less than 125 units per month, will now have to pay a minimum charge under the “One Family, One Meter” policy.
Additionally, preparations are underway to provide electricity subsidy directly into consumers’ bank accounts, similar to the subsidy model for LPG cylinders.
