Punjab Government Ensures No Rise in Electricity Costs for Residents, Says Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 28, 2025:
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has reaffirmed its commitment to consumer-friendly policies by ensuring that electricity tariffs do not place additional financial pressure on residents. Power Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO announced today that the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has set electricity rates to maintain affordability for all consumers.
Speaking at a press conference, the minister emphasized that the latest tariff decisions will not increase fixed charges for any consumer category. He highlighted that the commission has simplified billing by reducing the number of slabs for Domestic Supply (DS) and Non-Residential Supply (NRS) consumers from three to two, without adding any extra costs. "This change will make bills easier to understand and more consumer-friendly," he said.
Under the revised structure, DS consumers using over 300 units will see reductions in their bills: approximately Rs. 160 per month for loads up to 2 kW, Rs. 90 per month for loads between 2 kW and 7 kW, and Rs. 32 per month for loads between 7 kW and 20 kW. Similarly, NRS consumers with loads up to 20 kW and usage up to 500 units will benefit from a 2 paisa per unit reduction in variable charges, lowering their monthly bills by about Rs. 110.
The minister also announced a new category for Single Point Supply to residential colonies, multi-storey complexes, cooperative housing societies, and employer-provided housing under the domestic category. This category will feature lower fixed charges of Rs. 130 per kVAh (down from Rs. 140 per kVAh) and variable charges of Rs. 6.75 per kVAh (down from Rs. 6.96 per kVAh).
Reaffirming the government's priorities, ETO stated, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s administration is dedicated to the welfare of Punjab’s electricity consumers." He added that the popular 600-unit free electricity scheme will continue to benefit residents across the state.