Argus News - Breaking News: Odisha Keeps Electricity Tariffs Unchanged for 2026-27

Bhubaneswar, Mar 24: Consumers in Odisha can breathe a sigh of relief as the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has announced that electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for the financial year 2026-27.

This decision ensures that unit-wise power charges will not increase, continuing a trend of stability in electricity pricing for the past five years.

In 2023-24, tariffs were reduced by 10 paise per unit, and since then, rates have been kept steady to protect consumer interests.

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The OERC has also introduced several measures aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and consumer convenience. Distribution companies will now face stricter monitoring, with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) conducting audits of their expenditures.

Feeders suffering losses above 50 per cent will be equipped with smart meters, while agricultural feeders with more than 60 per cent load will be electrified through solar power.

To curb commercial and transmission losses, smart meters will also be installed alongside transformers in high-loss areas. Importantly, third-party companies will audit smart meter software, addressing consumer complaints about inflated bills.

OERC has directed distribution companies to reduce employee and administrative costs, which remain higher in Odisha compared to national averages.

Consumers will benefit from new incentives. Those using more than 10 kilowatts of electricity will receive a 10 per cent rebate during solar hours (8 am to 4 pm), while usage during peak hours (6 pm to midnight) will incur an additional 10 per cent charge. Mega lift irrigation consumers will enjoy a 2 paise per unit rebate during solar hours.

Online bill payments will attract a 4 per cent discount, and opting for e-bills will provide an additional ₹10 rebate per bill. Moreover, customers who were long excluded from electricity distribution will have their extra security deposits refunded.