Punjab Hikes Electricity Rates, Both Domestic And Commercial, Two Days After Jalandhar LS Bypoll Results

Just two days after the results for Jalandhar Lok Sabha Bypolls were announced, the Punjab government hiked both domestic as well as commercial electricity consumption rates.

Representative Image: Punjab hiked domestic and commercial electicity rates just two days after the results of Jalandhar Lok Sabha Bypoll were announced ( Image Source :Getty )

The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has hiked electricity rates for both Domestic and Commercial use just two days after Jalandhar Lok Sabha Bypoll results were announced. Till now, after crossing the 2000-unit mark, Golden Temple and Durgiana Temple used to pay Rs 6.11 per unit for each unit that exceeded, however now they will be paying Rs 6.41 instead.

Punjab Chief Minister took to Twitter to inform, "The government will bear the cost of the increase in electricity rates, it will not be a burden on the common people."

ਬਿਜਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਦਰਾਂ ਚ ਵਾਧੇ ਦਾ ਖ਼ਰਚਾ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇਵੇਗੀ ਇਸ ਦਾ ਆਮ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਤੇ ਕੋਈ ਬੋਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਵੇਗਾ…600 ਯੂਨਿਟ ਵਾਲੀ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਦੇ ਇੱਕ ਵੀ ਮੀਟਰ ਤੇ ਅਸਰ ਨਹੀ ਪਵੇਗਾ..

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 15, 2023

While domestic consumers, who are getting 300 units of free electricity each month, will be required to pay an additional Rs 15 per kilowatt in fixed charges, the per-unit rate has increased by 25 paise to 70 paise. The fixed charges for non-residential or commercial customers range from Rs 25 to Rs 30, the per-unit tariff has increased by 28 to 41 paise. Even for agriculture consumers, per unit cost has been raised by 90 paise. Though electricity for agriculture consumers is free, the hike in tariff will increase the subsidy burden that the state government will bear for both agricultural and domestic consumers.

Revised Tariff For Domestic Consumers

• Per Unit Charge Upto 2 KW
  • Upto 100 units, Rs 3.49 was being charged which will now be revised to Rs 4.19 
  • From 101 up to 300 units, Rs 5.84 was being charged earlier which will now be revised to Rs 6.64 
  • Beyond 300 units, Rs 7.3 was being charged which will now be revised to Rs 7.75 
• Per Unit Charge From 2 To 7 Watt
  • Upto 100 units, Rs 3.74 was being charged which will now be revised to Rs 4.44
  • From 101 up to 300 units, Rs 5.84 was being charged which will now be revised to Rs 6.64
  • Beyond 300 units, Rs 7.30 was being charged which will now be revised to Rs 7.75

Starting on Tuesday, the new tariff order will be in effect. The model code of conduct for the Jalandhar bypoll caused the delay of the new tariff order this year, which usually goes into effect on April 1.