No hike in power tariff as Bihar govt OKs Rs 13,114 crore subsidy

PATNA: The state cabinet on Friday approved a subsidy of Rs 13,114 crore to shield the electricity consumers from the recent power tariff hike announced by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC). An announcement in this regard was made in the state assembly by CM Nitish Kumar.
"For the last four years, we have been paying a subsidy of Rs 8,895 crore to the power consumers.The amount has now been increased by Rs 4,219 crore. The government has decided not to put additional burden on power consumers in the state," the CM said.
On March 23, the BERC had allowed 24.1% hike in power tariff in its annual tariff order for the two power distribution companies (discoms) of the state energy department for the 2023-24 fiscal. The two discoms had proposed around 54% hike in the retail electricity tariff.
"Since the revised power tariff would become effective from Saturday, the cabinet met on Friday morning and decided to increase the subsidy for the benefit of power consumers," Nitish told the House.