New Delhi: 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% on their electricity bill during day time. But during the night, customers may have to pay 10 to 20 percent more on the electricity bill. For this, the system of Time of Day (TOD) tariff will be implemented by making necessary amendments in the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.
Instead of paying the electricity bill at the same rate throughout the day, consumers will have to pay different charges for electricity at different times of the day. This way, they will be able to save on electricity bills by managing their consumption. With the implementation of TOD system, consumers will be able to avoid doing high power consuming activities like laundry and cooking during peak hours. With this they will be able to save on electricity bill. But those who use AC or other electric things at night will have to pay more electricity bill.
The electricity bill will come down during the day because electricity will be supplied from solar energy during the day. The government says that this move 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 per day). But if you use more electricity during the night then you will have to pay more than normal. Because the tariff will be 10-20 percent more in peak hours.
As per the official release, TOD tariff will be applicable from April 1, 2024 for commercial and industrial consumers with maximum demand of 10 kW and above. After this, on April 1, 2025, TOD system will be implemented for all other consumers except agricultural consumers. However, for customers with smart meters, this system will be applicable only when they get such meters installed.
Union Energy 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 TOD tariff, consumers can reduce their electricity bills.