According to DISCOM officials, the surcharge has been applied to the bills of approximately 24 lakh consumers, particularly those from whom earlier dues were not collected. While some categories receive state-supported subsidies, officials said the companies were directed to recover outstanding amounts as part of the ongoing effort to stabilise the sector’s financial health.

The increase comes despite a separate special fuel surcharge of 7 paise per unit already in effect. Consumers have raised concerns about overlapping charges, but officials clarified that the latest additions pertain only to pending dues from previous cycles.

The revised tariff framework, introduced earlier this year, includes a regulatory surcharge of ₹1 per unit on all consumer categories. The state electricity department says the measure is intended to reduce the mounting regulatory assets of DISCOMs, estimated at nearly ₹50,000 crore. Under the new structure, the base fuel surcharge will be absorbed into this regulatory surcharge, ensuring that future electricity bills will not show fuel surcharges as separate line items.

However, the transition has created a temporary overlap, with companies now collecting historical dues before the revised tariff mechanism fully takes effect. Officials said these recoveries are essential to stabilise revenue flows and prevent further accumulation of unpaid liabilities.

With energy costs already rising nationwide, consumer groups in Rajasthan have urged the state government to issue clearer communication and provide relief to low-income households. The power department maintains that the adjustments are necessary to keep DISCOMs financially viable while ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply in the coming months.