Subsidy Removal for Government Employees and Pensioners Starts January 2025

Shimla, January 2: In a significant move, the Himachal Pradesh government has announced changes to the domestic electricity subsidy scheme. The Power Secretary has formally requested the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) to implement the new directives through letter number (M PP-C(010)-5/2021-11), dated December 31, 2024.

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As part of this revision, starting January 1, 2025, government Group-A and Group-B employees, as well as pensioners, will no longer receive subsidies on domestic electricity. This change will affect employees and pensioners from both the Himachal Pradesh government and the central government who are employed in boards, corporations, universities, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and military and paramilitary forces.

The Chief Engineer (Commercial) of Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board clarified that while the formal order from HPERC has not yet been received, necessary adjustments are already being made to the consumer billing system to accommodate this new policy. Additionally, consumers will be able to visit the board’s website to update their information and select whether they wish to continue receiving the subsidy.

This decision is aimed at making the subsidy distribution more equitable across the state, ensuring that financial assistance is targeted at those who need it most.