In a major relief to electricity consumers, the Tripura Government has announced that it will bear the entire burden of the recently increased electricity tariff, shielding nearly 10 lakh consumers across the state from higher bills. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath made the announcement at a press conference on Friday, describing the move as a “historic step in consumer welfare.”
The Minister said the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC), a quasi-judicial body, had issued the tariff order for 2026–27 in accordance with Supreme Court directives requiring state electricity commissions to address revenue gaps within three years. The order had significantly increased the fixed charge component, triggering concern among households, businesses and farmers.
Responding to the concerns, the government has decided to provide a 100% subsidy on the increased fixed charges for domestic, commercial, agricultural and industrial consumers, excluding railway traction. For defence installations, railways and national broadcasters, the government will bear 15% of the hike.
The subsidy will be effective retrospectively from May 2026. Consumers who have already paid bills at the revised rates will receive adjustments over the next three billing cycles—September, October and November. The adjustment will effectively refund the excess amount paid by consumers.
Nath credited Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha with personally overseeing the issue, saying the Chief Minister convened urgent meetings and even curtailed his Delhi schedule to participate in the deliberations.
“This is not just an administrative decision, it is a promise fulfilled,” Nath said, emphasising that the government had prioritised consumer welfare.
The Minister also compared tariff trends under the previous Left Front government and the present administration. He said tariffs increased by 116.03% between 2010–11 and 2017–18, while the increase over the past eight years has been limited to 40.42%, with rebates also provided in 2020–21.
The subsidy will cost the state exchequer Rs 77.57 crore, with an additional Rs 117.13 crore earmarked for the initiative. Nath said this marks the first time in Tripura that a government has absorbed 100% of a tariff hike.
He assured consumers that relief would be reflected in their upcoming bills, saying the government stands firmly with households, farmers, small shopkeepers and workers across the state.
