The petition, submitted on December 30 as part of the annual tariff determination process, outlines the company’s projected revenue, operational expenses, and accumulated losses. According to the utility, even after adjusting anticipated gains in the upcoming fiscal year against past deficits, a substantial additional revenue requirement remains unmet.

If the regulator accepts the company’s loss projections either partially or in full, electricity tariffs across domestic, commercial, and industrial categories could be revised upward from the next financial year beginning April 2026.

The power company has argued that rising power purchase costs, increased transmission and distribution expenses, and legacy losses have placed sustained pressure on its finances. It has submitted a revised tariff structure along with the petition, recommending an average increase of 24 percent to bridge the revenue gap and ensure operational viability.

The State Electricity Regulatory Commission will now undertake a detailed scrutiny of the proposal. As per statutory procedure, the commission will invite objections and suggestions from consumers, industry bodies, and other stakeholders. This will be followed by public hearings, where affected parties can place their views on record before a final decision is taken.

A similar situation arose in the previous financial year when the power company claimed losses of nearly ₹5,000 crore and sought a sharp tariff increase. After examination, the commission recognised only about ₹500 crore of the claimed deficit and approved an annual revenue requirement significantly lower than what the utility had demanded. As a result, electricity tariffs were raised by less than two percent, providing relief to consumers.

Regulatory sources indicate that the outcome this year will again depend on how much of the claimed loss the commission finds justifiable. Any downward revision of the revenue gap could substantially reduce the proposed tariff hike.

Consumer groups have already expressed concern, warning that a sharp increase in power rates would impact household budgets and industrial competitiveness. Industry associations are expected to seek moderation in tariffs, citing inflationary pressures and economic recovery challenges.

The commission’s final order, expected after the completion of hearings in the coming months, will determine whether Chhattisgarh residents face a significant rise in electricity costs or a more measured adjustment.