Assam: APDCL Proposes Hike In Electricity Tariff

GUWAHATI: The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has submitted a proposal to increase electricity tariffs, a move that stands in contrast to the Assam government's initiative to reduce tariffs by Re 1 per unit in the upcoming financial year. This proposal was presented to the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC), which held a public hearing to gather opinions on the matter.

During the hearing, the members of ten different organizations gave their remarks regarding the proposed tariff hike. The stakeholders gave diverse opinions, describing how the tariff hike would affect consumers and its effects on the energy sector in the state in general.

The AERC is tasked with reviewing the feedback collected during the hearing and will make a decision on the electricity tariff for the financial year 2025-26. The commission is expected to finalize its recommendations by the end of the current financial year, taking into account the concerns raised by the participating organizations.

Finance Minister Ajanta Neog made the announcement of the subsidy in the state budget for 2025-26 on March 10 and it will come into force from May 1, 2025. This program will be applicable to 48 lakh consumers of Assam, mostly those who are using up to 120 units a month. The Rs 300 crore targeted subsidy, for the year, is directed towards easing the financial load of households while making electricity affordable and reliable for middle and lower-income households.

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