New Delhi: The government of India is now going to implement a new rule to fix the electricity bill in the country. After this, consumers can save up to 20 per cent on their electricity bill during the daytime. But at night, customers may have to pay 10 to 20 per cent more on their electricity bill. For this, the system of Time of Day (TOD) tariffs will be implemented by making necessary amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.
Instead of paying electricity bills at the same rate throughout the day, consumers will pay different charges for electricity at different times of the day. In this way, they will be able to save on electricity bills by managing their consumption. With the implementation of the TOD system, consumers will be able to refrain from doing high-electricity-consumption tasks like washing clothes and cooking during peak hours. With this, they will be able to save on electricity bills. But those using AC or other electric things at night will have to pay a higher electricity bill.
The electricity bill will come down during the day because solar-powered electricity will be supplied during the day. The government says that this step will reduce the demand for electricity from coal-based power plants. Customers can save up to 20% on their bills by managing power consumption during solar hours (8 hours a day). But if you use more electricity during the night, you will have to pay more than normal. Because the tariff will be 10–20 per cent higher in peak hours.
According to the official release, the TOD tariff will be applicable from April 1, 2024, for commercial and industrial consumers with a maximum demand of 10 kW and above. After this, on April 1, 2025, the TOD system will be implemented for all other consumers except agricultural consumers. However, for customers with smart metres, this system will be applicable only when they get such metres installed.
Union Power Minister RK Singh said that TOD is a win-win deal for the power system and consumers. This includes different tariffs for peak hours, solar hours, and normal hours. With awareness and effective use of the TOD tariff, consumers can reduce their electricity bills.
