Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission Freezes Power Tariffs for FY 2026-27
The Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) has officially declared that electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for the fiscal year 2026-27, with the decision taking effect from April 1. This announcement, made on Friday, comes at a critical juncture ahead of the state assembly elections, ensuring that households and businesses across Assam are shielded from any additional financial strain.
Regulatory Review and Revenue Adjustments
Following extensive public hearings and consultations, the AERC issued tariff orders for key entities including the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited (AEGCL), and the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC). In its assessment, the commission noted that APDCL had submitted a request to cover a revenue gap of ₹467.03 crore. However, after careful evaluation, the regulator approved only ₹407.91 crore, emphasizing the allowance of solely prudent operational costs.
Despite identifying a nominal surplus of ₹5.41 crore, the AERC determined that reducing tariffs would result in a minimal impact of just 0.4 paise per unit. Consequently, the commission opted to maintain the existing tariff levels from the previous fiscal year, 2025-26, to avoid unnecessary complexity and ensure stability for consumers.
Consistent EV Charging and Green Energy Tariffs
In a move supporting sustainable energy initiatives, the AERC has also kept electric vehicle (EV) charging tariffs unchanged. Rates remain at ₹8.72 per kilowatt-hour for low-tension charging stations and ₹8.35 per kilowatt-hour for high-tension stations. Additionally, the time-of-day (ToD) tariff structure, which incentivizes off-peak electricity usage, and the voluntary green energy tariff of ₹1 per kilowatt-hour have been retained, promoting environmental consciousness among users.
Government Subsidies Extended for Consumer Relief
Significantly, the state government had previously committed in December last year to continue providing category-wise subsidies for the fiscal year 2026-27, effective from April 1, 2026. By upholding both the existing tariff rates and extending these subsidies, the government and regulatory body aim to strike a delicate balance between maintaining the financial health of utility companies and offering substantial relief to consumers. This dual approach is designed to foster economic stability and public satisfaction in the lead-up to the electoral period.
