Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai made the announcement at the conclusion of the Assembly’s special session. Under the new structure, domestic consumers using up to 400 units monthly will receive 50% relief on the first 200 units.
The move comes four months after the government had cut the earlier 400-unit cap introduced during the Bhupesh Baghel administrationto 100 units, a decision that had sharply increased electricity bills and triggered protests across several districts.
How the revised subsidy works
A family consuming around 200 units currently pays ₹840–₹870. With the new scheme, the amount payable for the first 200 units will be halved, bringing the bill down by about ₹420–₹435. Consumers paying ₹1,250–₹1,300 earlier will now be billed roughly ₹800–₹850.
Background of the half-bill scheme
Introduced on March 1, 2019, by the previous Congress government, the original scheme allowed all consumers using up to 400 units to pay only half their bill. Even when usage exceeded 400 units, the half-bill benefit applied to the first 400 units.
Financial burden on the state
Officials estimate that the expanded subsidy will add several hundred crore rupees to the government’s expenditure. However, the administration believes it will ease the financial pressure on low- and middle-income families and improve regular bill payment.
Political response and shift in policy
After the earlier cut to 100 units, the Congress and other opposition parties had strongly criticized the move, with many consumers staging protests over inflated bills. The government later acknowledged the strain on small households and rural consumers, prompting the latest revision.
Rooftop solar demand rising
CM Sai noted that demand for rooftop solar installations has surged, with over one lakh applications received and more than 12,000 plants already installed. While solar expansion continues, the government said it is necessary to offer immediate relief through the revised electricity subsidy starting December.
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