Electricity Connection Costs to Double in Uttar Pradesh: UPPCL Proposes Rate Hike

LUCKNOW, India — New electricity connections in Uttar Pradesh are set to become significantly more expensive as the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has submitted a proposal to the state’s electricity regulatory commission to increase connection charges. If approved, the cost for obtaining electricity connections for homes and businesses could double.

The UPPCL’s proposal outlines a steep increase in charges for new connections, and consumers are urged to apply for connections before the new rates take effect. The proposed hike comes after the regulatory commission sought cost data from UPPCL, and the consumer council has voiced strong opposition to the increased rates.

Current and Proposed Rates for Electricity Connections

Presently, consumers in Uttar Pradesh pay a connection fee based on their distance from the power line, up to 40 meters. For a 2-kilowatt connection, the charge is ₹150, and for connections between 3 to 4 kilowatts, consumers pay ₹398. For larger connections ranging between 5 to 10 kilowatts, the charge is ₹2,036. However, if the proposal is passed, these charges could rise sharply.

Under the new proposal, the line charge for a 2-kilowatt connection would increase from ₹150 to ₹1,500. Similarly, the connection fee for 3 to 4 kilowatts would jump from ₹398 to ₹3,500, and for 5 to 10 kilowatts, the charge would rise from ₹2,036 to ₹10,000.

Impact on Consumers

These changes would have a significant financial impact on consumers seeking new electricity connections, especially in rural and urban households. The consumer council has expressed concerns over the proposed hike, arguing that it would place an undue financial burden on the public.

Current and Proposed Connection Charges

Current Charges:

• 1 kW (rural residential): ₹1,217
• 2 kW (rural residential): ₹1,365
• 1 kW (urban residential): ₹1,858
• 2 kW (urban residential): ₹2,217
• 5 kW (rural and urban): ₹7,967

Proposed Charges:

• 1 kW (rural residential): ₹2,957
• 2 kW (rural residential): ₹3,117
• 1 kW (urban residential): ₹3,158
• 2 kW (urban residential): ₹3,517
• 5 kW (rural and urban): ₹17,365

What’s Next?

The electricity regulatory commission is expected to review the proposal, and if approved, the new rates will come into effect immediately. Consumers are advised to apply for connections soon to avoid the higher fees.

The proposed hike comes at a time when electricity consumers are already facing rising costs, and the consumer council is preparing to challenge the proposal in hopes of preventing the sharp increase in rates. The decision by the commission is awaited, and it could significantly affect both rural and urban households across the state.