Steep power bill increase comes as shock for Pkl residents

Time of India

03-06-2025

Residents of Panchkula have received electricity bills showing increase of 100% to 400% for the period from mid-April to mid-May, compared to the previous year, despite minimal changes in unit consumption.
While the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission implemented a rate increase of 20 to 30 paise per kWh/kVAh for domestic and industrial categories, an analysis of various bills reveals disproportionate charges despite marginal increase in consumption. This has had a particularly adverse effect on middle-class families, the economically disadvantaged and pensioners.
S K Nayar, Citizens' Welfare Association president from Sector 15, experienced a 145% increase in charges while maintaining similar consumption.
His bill rose to Rs 2,042 for 210 units, compared to Rs 833 for 216 units in April 2024.
"It is a loot of public money, and a wrong step was taken. Earlier, there used to be a minimum charge, and even if you went out of the city for a few months, the bill amount would not pinch you. But they are imposing fixed charges, which have burned a hole in the pockets of the common man," he rued.
Sector 25 resident Mohit Gupta received a bill of Rs 5,641 for 668.25 units, while last April's bill was Rs 2,673 for 496.23 units.
Despite lower consumption previously, this year's rate increase has resulted in substantially higher charges.
Sant Singh Gill, former RWA president of Sector 25, saw his bill increase to Rs 3,745, as compared to Rs 1,286 last year, representing a 191% rise in charges against a 47% increase in consumption.
Analysis shows varied impacts: Cases with abnormal consumption increases saw 430% higher bills, while 38% consumption increases resulted in 111% higher bills.
Even with 21% reduced consumption, bills increased by 87%.
Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVNL) chief engineer (Operations) Chandan Singh said, "The bills have been generated as per HERC's current rates. Some may have felt bills are higher because consumption has increased. As far as fixed charges are concerned, it is a certain amount for certain uses."
The 2025-26 electricity order confirms rate increases of 20 to 30 paise per kWh/kVAh for both domestic and industrial categories in Haryana.