Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) on Tuesday announced that there will be no hike in electricity tariff in Odisha for FY 2026–27, marking the fifth consecutive year of stable power rates in the state.
In its latest tariff order, the Commission said the Retail Supply Tariff (RST) will remain unchanged across consumer categories, providing continued relief to households and industries amid broader inflationary pressures.
To encourage digital payments and efficient energy usage, the OERC introduced a set of consumer-centric incentives. Low-tension (LT) domestic consumers will receive a 4% rebate on their electricity bills if the full amount is paid online before the due date. A similar 4% rebate will be extended to all prepaid consumers on the amount recharged.
In a push towards paperless billing, the Commission also announced a ₹10 discount per bill for consumers opting for electronic billing (e-bills).
A major reform introduced in the new tariff order is the Time of Day (ToD) tariff, which will come into effect from July 2026. Under this system, electricity will be cheaper during solar hours (8 AM to 4 PM) and costlier during peak demand hours (6 PM to midnight) for consumers equipped with smart meters. The move is aimed at promoting load balancing and better integration of renewable energy.
The Commission has also directed distribution companies (DISCOMs) to accelerate the rollout of smart metering infrastructure, including installation across all 11 kV feeders and consumer categories, to curb transmission and distribution losses.
Additionally, a one-time security deposit refund scheme has been introduced for permanently disconnected consumers, enabling them to reclaim their deposits through a simplified claim process.
The OERC said these measures are designed to ensure affordability, improve operational efficiency, and support the transition towards a more sustainable and technology-driven power distribution system in Odisha.
