In a major relief for domestic, commercial and industrial consumers across Odisha, the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) has announced that retail electricity tariffs will remain unchanged for the financial year 2026-27.
The current year’s tariff structure will continue without any increase, marking the fifth consecutive year of frozen power prices in the state.
Addressing a press conference today, OERC Secretary Priyabrata Pattnaik confirmed that the Commission has issued the tariff order for 2026-27, keeping retail electricity rates exactly the same as in 2025-26. “There will be no hike in retail power prices next year,” he stated.
While the overall retail tariff remains untouched, the OERC has introduced targeted changes to promote renewable energy usage, efficient consumption and industrial growth.
Key incentives include:
- EHT Consumers: High-tension (EHT) consumers who utilise more than 80% of their contracted load will now receive a higher rebate of 30 paise per unit instead of the existing 20 paise.
- Mega Lift Irrigation Projects: All mega lift irrigation schemes (both HT and EHT) have been reclassified under the commercial consumer category. They will enjoy a rebate of ₹2 per unit during solar hours (8 AM to 4 PM) and ₹1 per unit during other hours.
- Smart Meter Users: Consumers with load exceeding 10 kW who have installed smart meters will pay 10% less than their normal tariff during solar hours and an additional 10% during peak hours (6 PM to 12 midnight).
- Open Access for Large LT Consumers: For the first time, low-tension (LT) consumers with a connected load of 100 kW or more will be allowed to purchase power directly from the open market.
On the generation and transmission side, the Commission has effected marginal reductions in bulk supply tariffs, which will translate into direct benefits for end consumers:
- The average tariff of Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) has been reduced from 100.23 paise per unit to 99.22 paise per unit.
- Tariff for OPGC’s first-phase Units 1 and 2 has been lowered, enabling Grid Corporation of Odisha (GRIDCO) to save ₹90 crore annually.
- OPTCL’s transmission tariff has been cut from 25.50 paise to 24 paise per unit.
- GRIDCO’s power purchase cost has been marginally reduced from 331.10 paise to 330.95 paise per unit.
Energy sector analyst welcomed the decision but pointed out that the absence of a tariff hike for the last five years stems primarily from the fact that power distribution companies (discoms) have consistently collected more than the tariffs approved by the OERC.
