How is Bihar Electricity Bill Calculated?
The Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) approves domestic tariffs (Domestic Service - DS-II Urban). The Government of Bihar provides substantial per-unit subsidies to keep consumer tariffs affordable. For example, if a family in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, or Bhagalpur consumes 200 units with a 1 kW connection:
- First 100 units @ ₹4.27 = ₹427.00
- Remaining 100 units (101 to 200) @ ₹5.12 = ₹512.00
- Total Energy Charges: ₹939.00
- Fixed Demand Charges: 1 kW × ₹80 = ₹80.00
- Electricity Duty (6%): (₹939 + ₹80) × 6% = ₹61.14
- Estimated Total Monthly Bill: ₹1,080.14 (Approx ₹1,080)
Bihar Smart Prepaid Meter System
Bihar is India's pioneer in implementing 100% smart prepaid electricity meters across urban and rural households:
- Daily Deduction: Energy charges and proportionate fixed charges are deducted daily directly from your prepaid account balance.
- Recharge Rebate: Consumers receive an instant 3% rebate on bill recharges made via the official mobile apps (Suvidha App, Bihar Bijli Smart Meter App).
- Low Balance Alerts: SMS notifications are sent when your balance falls below ₹100, allowing a negative balance cushion to prevent sudden power disconnection at night.
Power Distribution Utilities in Bihar
State power distribution is divided geographically across two public utilities under Bihar State Power Holding Company Limited (BSPHCL):
- NBPDCL: North Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saran, Champaran, Purnea, Saharsa)
- SBPDCL: South Bihar Power Distribution Company Ltd (Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Nalanda, Rohtas, Munger)