Power tariff tensions in Chhattisgarh Assembly, Hike calls for adjournment motion, CM Sai cites relief measures
Leader of Opposition Dr Charandas Mahant led the charge, terming the hike as burdensome and unjustified, while Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai defended the increase, calling it one of the lowest in the country and necessary for the state's energy goals.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Mahant criticized the government's 'anti-people' decision to raise tariffs across all consumer categories, including domestic users, farmers, and small businesses.
He reminded the House that the recent hike was the second tariff increase in just 20 months since the Sai-led government came to power.
'Nearly six million consumers have been affected. Even farmers are now paying more per unit than industrial units. What kind of govt's priority is this?' Mahant questioned.
The July 11 decision by the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) allowed the hike based on a petition from the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL).
While the Commission is a statutory body that takes decisions post public hearing, the Opposition alleged that the process lacked transparency and scrutiny.
Mahant also pointed to what he described as alarming mismanagement in the power sector. 'Over Rs 8,000 crore in dues are unpaid, Rs 2,500 crore by government departments and Rs 5,500 crore in subsidies. To make up for this, common citizens are being punished with higher bills,' he said.
He also cited repeated fire incidents at power department godowns in Raigarh, Gudhiyari in Raipur, and Bhilai-3 within the last 20 months, calling them indicators of systemic negligence.
'Even under the RDS scheme, Rs 3,560 crore was sanctioned by the Centre. But if the government doesn't pay its share, the 60% grant will be converted into debt. This is how you plan to develop Chhattisgarh?' he asked.
Adding to his criticism, Mahant said that power cuts, low voltage, and erratic supply were frequent, even at ministerial residences.
'What are common citizens supposed to expect?' he asked.
CM Responds: 'Hike Minimal, Farmers Protected, Industry Boosted'
Responding to the notice of adjournment motion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai asserted that the hike was modest and transparent. 'Only a 1.89% rise has been approved for 2025–26. That's among the lowest in the country. For farmers, the 50 paise per unit increase will have zero impact as their bills are already subsidized and paid in advance by the government,' Sai clarified.
He added that domestic consumers will see a mere 10 to 20 paise rise per unit, and that rates for energy-intensive industries, including mini steel plants and rolling mills, have been reduced to boost the manufacturing sector.
Highlighting infrastructure development, Sai announced that a Rs 15,800 crore project for a 1320 MW power plant in Korba is underway. 'This will make Chhattisgarh power-surplus and ensure reliable supply,' he said.
The CM also shared updates on ongoing improvements in supply and efficiency. 'Urban areas are receiving 23.85 hours of electricity per day, rural areas 23.45 hours, and farm feeders 18 hours a day. We have reduced technical and commercial losses from 23.14% to 13.79%, a significant achievement,' he said.
He further pointed to over Rs 9,400 crore being invested through a Capital Investment Plan for transmission, distribution, and generation upgrades.
Additionally, MoUs worth over Rs 3 lakh crore have been signed to generate employment and enhance energy infrastructure.
CM Sai promoted solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme, offering households up to Rs 1.09 lakh in combined state and central subsidies for rooftop solar systems. 'We are empowering citizens to become self-reliant energy producers,' he said.
Speaker Raman Singh informed the House that adjournment notices were received from 33 members. However, after the CM's assurance and detailed presentation, he disallowed the notice for motion.
In a rare move, Leader of Opposition Dr. Mahant thanked the Chief Minister, saying, 'At least it seems the government is taking the matter seriously and CM is looking into it, hence, I am thankful to him.'
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