Odisha, Dec 22 : Electricity consumers in Odisha could see their bills increase significantly next year, with multiple power utilities seeking tariff hikes that may push retail electricity rates up by almost Rs 1 per unit.
After GRIDCO applied for a 58 paise per unit hike in bulk supply price, six other power sector entities excluding Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC) have requested increases in their tariffs to address projected revenue deficits. If approved in full by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), the combined proposals could result in an average retail tariff rise of 98 paise per unit.
The seven entities have projected a cumulative revenue shortfall of Rs 3,276 crore for the 2026-27 financial year if current tariffs remain unchanged.
Utility-wise Proposals:
OHPC: Operating six hydro power stations with a total 2,040 MW capacity, OHPC projected a revenue requirement of Rs 644 crore and seeks a 15 paise/unit increase in sale price to GRIDCO, from 100 paise to 115 paise, to cover an Rs 83 crore shortfall.
OPTCL: For transmitting 41,850 million units, OPTCL anticipates a revenue requirement of Rs 1,490 crore, citing a Rs 423 crore gap at existing tariffs. The company has requested raising transmission charges from 25.50 paise to 35.61 paise per unit, plus an additional Rs 15 crore to cover State Load Despatch Centre operational costs.
Tata Power Distribution Companies (TPCODL, TPNODL, TPSODL, TPWODL): These four firms project a revenue requirement of Rs 20,673 crore to distribute 39,104 million units purchased from GRIDCO. With current tariffs generating Rs 20,009 crore, they are seeking adjustments either through retail tariff increases or reductions in bulk supply prices to cover a Rs 664 crore revenue gap.
The proposed hikes are aimed at ensuring financial viability for power generation, transmission, and distribution utilities, while maintaining the quality and reliability of electricity supply across the state.