Electricity consumers in Uttar Pradesh are likely to face a significant increase in their February power bills, with charges expected to rise by nearly 10 percent. The hike is attributed to an increase in the fuel surcharge imposed by power distribution companies to recover additional electricity procurement costs.
According to officials, the power corporation has issued orders to collect the highest fuel surcharge so far. This additional charge has been justified as compensation for higher expenses incurred while purchasing electricity in previous months. However, the move has sparked concern among consumer groups and raised questions over the accuracy of cost calculations.
Calling the surcharge unjustified, the State Electricity Consumers Council has submitted a detailed objection to the Electricity Regulatory Commission. The council has demanded an investigation into the monthly cost assessment process and urged regulatory intervention to protect consumers from excessive billing.
The power corporation has stated that the additional expenditure incurred in November will be recovered through the February electricity bills. However, critics argue that electricity procurement in November was unusually expensive, despite it being a month of normal demand.
Consumer council president Avdesh Kumar Verma pointed out that November typically does not witness high electricity demand, making such costly power purchases questionable. He further highlighted discrepancies in electricity purchase rates, noting that power was procured at ₹5.79 per unit in November 2025, while the tariff approved by the Electricity Regulatory Commission stands at ₹4.94 per unit.
Verma also compared the situation to May 2025, when the state faced extreme heat, a power crisis, and record demand. Even during that peak period, electricity was purchased at a lower rate of ₹4.76 per unit. This comparison, he said, raises serious doubts about the justification for higher rates in a normal demand month.
Based on the difference between approved tariffs and actual purchase rates, the corporation imposed a fuel surcharge, ordering recovery of the additional amount from consumers. The regulatory commission had earlier permitted a system where fuel consumption costs would be recovered in electricity bills after a gap of four months.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the fuel surcharge imposed this time is the highest so far. Objections against the decision have been formally submitted to the regulatory authority, and further hearings are expected.
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