The different power companies in Bihar have recently filed a petition proposing a 10% increase in energy charge.
In the same petition, the power companies propose to increase the electricity fixed charge as well.
For those of you who don’t know, the fixed charge is a fixed amount (different from the energy charge) that varies for different types of electricity consumers. The fixed charge should be submitted each month
Now, in addition of proposing to increase the energy charge, the power companies have demanded to increase the fixed charge as well. The power companies have proposed to increase the fixed charge by 10% for all types of electricity consumers.
Let’s take a look at the present fixed charge for different types of electricity consumers as well as what will be the fixed charge if the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission will approve the proposal of the power companies.
| Type of Consumer | Current Fixed Charge (Per Connection Per Month) | Proposed Fixed Charge (Per Connection Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Those who fall below the poverty line | Rs 10 | Rs 11 |
| Rural Domestic Consumers | Rs 20 per kilowatt | Rs 22 per kilowatt |
| Urban Domestic Consumers | Rs 40 per kilowatt | Rs 44 per kilowatt |
| Rural Business Consumers | Rs 30 per kilowatt | Rs 33 per kilowatt |
| On-Demand Electricity Business Consumers | Rs 100 | Rs 110 |
| Agriculture Electricity Connection (IAS-1)* | Rs 800 per horsepower | Rs 879 per horsepower |
| Government Tap Well | Rs 240 per kilowatt | Rs 264 per kilowatt |
| Small Industries (LTS-1) | Rs 144 per kilowatt | Rs 158 per kilowatt |
| Small Industries (LTS-2) | Rs 180 per kilowatt | Rs 198 per kilowatt |
| Big Industries (HT) | Rs 300 per kilowatt | Rs 330 per kilowatt |
Right now, the fixed charge for agriculture electricity connection (IAS-1) is Rs 800 per horsepower per month. The same has now been increased to Rs 879. Out of this 800 rupee, the state government bears Rs 726 and the farmers only have to give Rs 84.
