New Electricity Rates: Power Becomes Costlier as Rates Rise Over 5%! – Check What’s Changed

Electricity consumers in Uttarakhand are set to face a price hike of 5.62% starting April 1, 2025, following the latest revision by the Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission (UERC). This development brings both increased tariffs and strict accountability measures for power distribution authorities.

⚡ Electricity Rates Increased by 5.62%

The Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited (UPCL) had earlier proposed a steep 12.01% hike, but the regulatory commission approved a more moderate 5.62% increase. A significant portion of this hike is attributed to the Power Development Fund (PDF) of UJVNL, which alone added a 5.5% burden on consumers.

Despite the moderation, the hike is expected to impact monthly electricity bills for households and businesses alike.

🔍 Why Did the Rates Go Up?

• UPCL had proposed a 12% increase to cover operational costs.

• UERC allowed only 0.12% hike from UPCL's end.

• However, UJVNL's PDF burden added 5.5%, pushing the overall rise to 5.62%.

• The Commission criticized inefficiencies and rampant power theft, urging UPCL to tighten its vigilance.

🧾 No More Smart Meter Security Charges

In a big relief for consumers, the Commission scrapped the smart meter security charge. UPCL had earlier increased the security fee for smart meters, but the Commission ordered:

• No security charges to be recovered from consumers

• Immediate halt to any additional or ongoing recovery

This decision will directly benefit thousands of consumers, especially in urban areas where smart meter rollouts are active.

🕵️‍♂️ Crackdown on Electricity Theft and Officer Accountability

The Commission has taken a strict stand on electricity theft, especially in rural and urban areas. Key directives include:

• Auditing of divisions/sub-divisions where theft is reported

• Detailed review of scheme operation costs

• Fixing responsibility of UPCL officers and employees who fail to meet targets

• Activation of UPCL’s vigilance wing for ground-level monitoring

📣 What It Means for You

• Expect a moderate increase in bills from April 2025

• No extra charges for smart meters

• UPCL to be held accountable for power theft and inefficiencies

• Better transparency and monitoring promised by the Commission