Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Restores Power Subsidy: Big Relief for 6 Lakh Households as Electricity Costs Drop
In a major relief for middle-income households, the Himachal Pradesh government has restored the electricity subsidy for domestic consumers using between 126 to 300 units per month, benefiting nearly six lakh families across the state.
In a major relief for middle-income households, the Himachal Pradesh government has restored the electricity subsidy for domestic consumers using between 126 to 300 units per month, benefiting nearly six lakh families across the state.
The decision comes shortly after the subsidy was withdrawn, sparking concerns among consumers over rising electricity bills. Now, with the subsidy reinstated, eligible households will continue to receive a 1.72 per unit concession, significantly reducing their monthly expenses.
According to senior officials, the move aims to ease financial pressure on residents, especially amid rising living costs. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, where immediate restoration of the subsidy was ordered.
What This Means for Consumers
Under the revised structure, consumers in the 126–300 units slab will now pay much less than the actual tariff of 5.89 per unit, thanks to the subsidy support.
Meanwhile, households consuming up to 125 units per month will continue to benefit from the government’s popular zero electricity bill scheme, which currently supports around 14 lakh consumers in the state. This scheme applies to up to two electricity meters per household, ensuring broader coverage.
Understanding the Tariff Structure
The domestic electricity tariff in Himachal Pradesh is divided into two main slabs:
- 0–125 Units: Subsidy of 3.37 per unit (Zero-bill scheme applicable)
- 126–300 Units: Subsidy of 1.72 per unit
- Above 300 Units: No subsidy; full tariff applies
This tiered system encourages controlled consumption while ensuring relief for lower and middle-income families.
Limit on Subsidy Meters
To maintain fairness, the government has capped the subsidy benefit to a maximum of two electricity meters per consumer. In cases where more than two meters are registered under one name, the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) will randomly select two meters for subsidy eligibility.
However, consumers are not left without a choice—they can select their preferred meters by submitting a request to the board.
Support for Agriculture Sector
In addition to domestic relief, the government has also extended support to the agriculture sector. Consumers in the 0–20 KVA category will receive a subsidy of 4.73 per unit, against an energy charge of 5.03 per unit—helping farmers manage operational costs more effectively.
