Bihar's New Electricity Rule: Cheaper Day, Costlier Evening for Smart Meter Users

• Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) approves Time of Day (TOD) tariff for 8.7 million smart meter consumers from April 1, 2026.
• Electricity will be 20% cheaper (80% of normal rate) from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Peak hours (5 PM to 11 PM) will see domestic consumers pay 10% more, and non-domestic up to 20% more.
• Normal rates apply from 11 PM to 9 AM; agricultural connections are excluded.
• Aims to balance electricity demand, utilize cheaper daytime solar energy, and encourage consumption shifts.