Power tariffs unchanged for 2026-27

Bhubaneswar: In a major relief for electricity consumers across Odisha, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) on Tuesday announced that retail power tariffs will remain unchanged for the 2026-27 financial year.This is the fifth consecutive year without a tariff hike, offering continued respite to both domestic and industrial consumers. The OERC said the decision will come into effect from April 1.According to the tariff structure, domestic users consuming up to 50 units will continue to pay Rs 2.90 per unit, while those using between 51 and 200 units will be charged Rs 4.70 per unit. Consumption between 201 and 400 units will attract Rs 5.70 per unit, and usage beyond 400 units will be billed at Rs 6.10 per unit.

OERC secretary Priyabrata Patnaik, announcing the decision at a press briefing, said the unchanged tariff will significantly benefit the consumers at a time when many states are revising their electricity rates. “Keeping the tariff unchanged for five straight years reflects the commission’s commitment to consumer interest,” he said.Among the key features for 2026-27, the OERC has extended a 4% rebate for all pre-paid consumers on the amount recharged.

Additionally, Rs 10 discount per bill will be offered to consumers opting for e-bills—an attempt to promote digital transactions in the power sector.OERC also announced that Time of Day (ToD) tariff will now apply to all consumers equipped with smart meters. Electricity consumed during solar hours from 8 am to 4 pm will cost 10% less than the normal tariff for that category. However, ToD tariff will not apply during normal hours, 4 pm to 6 pm, while 6 pm to midnight will be treated as peak hours.“This is aimed at encouraging consumers to shift part of their power usage to solar hours, helping manage peak demand and promoting renewable integration. The Commission has also decided to allow open purchase of power. Now consumers are free to purchase power from discoms they want,” Patnaik said.In a first, the commission has recommended that the state govt conduct a CAG audit of all discoms to ensure transparency in operations.

The discoms have also been directed to complete end-to-end smart metering of the entire 11 kV feeder network, including all associated lines, marking a significant step towards modernising the distribution system.OERC announced a one-time claim scheme for 2026-27 to help permanently disconnected consumers retrieve their security deposits lying with discoms. Claimants will be required to produce valid documentation proving their earlier consumer status. Patnaik said the move is aimed at clearing long-pending dues and ensuring that consumer deposits do not remain unclaimed indefinitely.