Assam CM plans power tariff cut, directs APDCL for Rs 1 reduction from 2025

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media to announce a potential reduction in power tariffs for consumers using less than 300 units, starting April 1, 2025. In his tweet, CM Sarma stated, "APDCL has been instructed to explore the possibility of reducing the power tariff by ₹1 for consumers using less than 300 units from April 1, 2025, if other factors remain stable. This will provide relief to Assam’s middle-class families."

Addressing the issue further, CM Sarma emphasized the government's focus on reforms in the power sector, which have enabled electricity boards to achieve financial stability. He remarked, "We have done a lot of reforms in the power sector, and these reforms have helped the electricity boards to stand on their own feet. Today just like we get dividends, APDCL has a big responsibility that how can we give relief to the consumer, because whatever we do the end goal should be our consumers or the citizens of Assam."

He highlighted the current tariff structure, noting that consumers in Assam are charged ₹5.85 per unit of electricity up to 300 units. CM Sarma urged planning for the upcoming year to facilitate a reduction to ₹5.85, aiming to lessen the financial burden on consumers.

CM Sarma emphasized the importance of curbing electricity theft and ensuring timely bill payments. He stressed, "If an industry or a large consumer is stealing electricity it should be stopped, if someone has not paid the bill on time we should convince them to pay the bill."

The proposed reduction in power tariffs is part of the government's efforts to provide relief to middle-class families and ensure equitable access to affordable electricity. CM Sarma's proactive approach aims to balance financial sustainability with consumer welfare, with the target of implementing the tariff reduction by April 1, 2025.