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News India Live, Digital Desk: A new system has come into effect from April 1, 2026 for more than 2 crore electricity consumers of Bihar. Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) has approved ‘Time of Day’ (ToD) tariff, under which electricity rates will now be decided on the basis of time of usage. In simple words, now you will get discount on using electricity during day time, whereas burning electricity during peak hours will be heavy on your pocket.
20% discount during the day, 10-20% premium in the evening
Under the new system, 24 hours are divided into three different slots. Consumers have to pay as per their consumption time:
Day time (9:00 am to 5:00 pm): This is ‘off-peak’ time. During this period, you will be charged the base tariff for using electricity. 20% off Will get it. That means for electricity worth Rs 100 you will have to pay only Rs 80.
Evening Timings (5:00 PM to 11:00 PM): These are ‘peak hours’. During this period, domestic consumers 10% extra and commercial/industrial consumers 20% extra charges are applicable.
Night time (11:00 pm to 9:00 am): During this period, ‘Normal Tariff’ will be applicable, that is, the rate which was earlier will remain the same.
To which consumers will this rule apply?
This new system is mainly for those consumers who have electricity at their home or shop. Smart Prepaid Meter are engaged. There are currently more than 87 lakh smart meter users in Bihar, who will be directly affected by this change. Additionally, consumers who have old meters but their load 10 kilowatt they will also come under the ambit of this new tariff structure.
Opportunity to save up to Rs 90 every month
According to power company officials, if an urban domestic consumer shifts only 2 units of his evening consumption to daytime, he will save about Rs. 89 to 90 rupees Can save Rs. The company argues that this arrangement will encourage consumers to save electricity and balance the load. For example, you can reduce your bill by completing power-hungry tasks like running a washing machine, ironing or running a motor vehicle between 9am and 5pm.
Major change also took place in the slab system
The tariff rates as well as the slab system have also been changed to simplify billing. Earlier there were two separate slabs for urban domestic consumers (DS-II) 1-100 units and above 100 units. now merge them single category Has been made. This will make billing more transparent. It is a matter of relief that the Commission has not made any major increase in the basic electricity rates (Energy Charges) for the financial year 2026-27, but has only adjusted the rates on the basis of time.