The Kerala government has announced a 16 paise per unit increase in electricity tariffs for the 2024-25 financial year, effective from December 5, 2024.
An additional hike of 12 paise per unit will follow in the 2025-26 financial year. This marks the fifth tariff increase under the Pinarayi government’s tenure since 2016.
Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty stated that the hike is minimal and will not impact household budgets.
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had initially requested a 37 paise per unit increase for 2024-25 and 27 paise per unit for 2025-26, but the Electricity Regulatory Commission approved only 16 paise and 12 paise per unit increases, respectively. A proposed hike of 9 paise for the 2026-27 financial year was rejected.
The tariff increase applies to all consumers using more than 40 units per month with a connected load exceeding 1,000 watts. Fixed charges for both single-phase and three-phase connections have also been increased. For consumers using between 201 and 250 units per month, the 2025-26 hike will amount to approximately 30 paise more per unit.
However, consumers using solar power during the daytime, especially those using up to 250 units per month, will receive a 10% reduction in tariffs. This initiative is expected to benefit about 500,000 consumers.
There will be no tariff increase for families below the poverty line, those with cancer patients, or individuals with permanent disabilities. Additionally, their connected load limit has been increased from 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts.