Chhattisgarh implements new Half Electricity Bill scheme, over 36 lakh consumers to benefit

The Chhattisgarh government has rolled out its new Half Electricity Bill Scheme from Monday, extending substantial relief to domestic power consumers across the state. Under the revised structure, households consuming up to 200 units of electricity per month will now pay only half of their billed amount, a move expected to benefit more than 36 lakh families.

According to the Energy Department, approximately 6 lakh consumers using between 200 and 400 units will also receive the half bill benefit for up to 200 units over the next one year. Officials described this as a transition period, intended to give consumers time to adopt rooftop solar systems under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

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Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai had formally announced the measure during the special session of the Legislative Assembly, stating that the revised tariff structure aims to ease household expenditure and align energy consumption with long-term sustainability goals.

The latest modification marks a significant policy shift within four months. On 1 August 2025, the limit for subsidised billing was reduced to 100 units, leaving a large section of consumers outside the relief bracket. With the re expansion to 200 units, officials expect a renewed sense of stability among middle income and lower income households.

Reacting to the rollout, Congress spokesperson Surendra Verma welcomed the decision but questioned the government’s narrative of introducing a new model. He said the revised structure “mirrors the affordability framework” that existed during the tenure of former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, when subsidies had significantly lowered electricity costs for lower and lower middle income families. Verma argued that the expansion of the concessional slab validates the earlier policy direction of the Congress government.

He added that while any reduction in consumer bills is positive, the state government must ensure financial sustainability, cautioning that distribution companies should not be burdened or pushed toward revenue imbalance over time.

Power utilities have begun updating billing systems to reflect the revised rates from December billing cycles. Senior officials said consumers would start seeing corrected bills from the next cycle onward, and dedicated help desks have been established to respond to queries related to the transition.

With a large beneficiary base and a realigned tariff threshold, the new policy is set to influence household finances across the state. Whether it also narrows the political debate on electricity pricing remains to be seen, but the coming months will determine how efficiently the state balances consumer relief with fiscal prudence.