New Electricity Connections: Meter Charges Cut to ₹2,800

• Meter installation charge capped at ₹2,800 for new electricity connections

• Smart meter cost fixed separately at around ₹4,100

• Power companies to absorb an estimated ₹116 crore impact

Consumers applying for new electricity connections will now pay a uniform ₹2,800 for meter installation, following a revised order issued by the state electricity regulatory authority. The decision replaces an earlier arrangement under which consumers were charged significantly higher amounts and is expected to bring much-needed relief to households and small power users.

Officials said the revised meter pricing was finalised on December 31, after which the previous power corporation order was withdrawn. Under the earlier system, consumers were paying up to ₹6,016 for meter installation, as power distribution companies had added multiple charges to the base cost. The new order eliminates these additional components and standardises the price across all distribution zones.

Between December 10, 2025, and January 11, 2026, around 3.59 lakh new electricity connections were released statewide. During this period, higher meter charges were collected under the old system. However, following the regulatory authority’s intervention, the excess recovery has been stopped. The rollback is expected to have a financial impact of nearly ₹116 crore, which will now be borne by the power corporations instead of being passed on to consumers.

Officials clarified that the ₹2,800 charge will remain the base cost for conventional meters even after the full implementation of the court-mandated data bank system. While minor adjustments may be introduced in the future to streamline processes, the core pricing structure for standard meters will remain unchanged.

For consumers opting for smart meters, the authority has fixed a separate price of approximately ₹4,100, reflecting the higher technology and communication features involved.

The revised rates have brought particular relief to applicants seeking low-load connections. Earlier, a one to two kilowatt electricity connection could cost consumers as much as ₹6,400. Under the new framework, the same connection will now be available for around ₹3,198, nearly half the earlier expense.

In another significant step toward transparency, the estimation system has been extended to non-electrified areas as well. Power distribution companies will now issue estimates for connections of up to 150 kilowatts and distances of up to 300 metres, making the application process clearer and more predictable for consumers in underserved regions.

Consumer organisations have welcomed the decision, calling it a long-awaited corrective measure. They have urged authorities to ensure strict and uniform implementation of the revised meter charges across all power distribution companies, so that consumers receive the full benefit of the new order without discrepancies.