Ahmedabad: The tariff order approved by the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has come into effect from April 1, bringing changes in billing, rebates, and Time-of-Use (ToU) benefits for electricity consumers across the state.

State power utility Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) and its four distribution companies—Madhya Gujarat Vij Company Limited (MGVCL), Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company Limited (DGVCL), and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL)—have announced a higher rebate for consumers opting for prepaid smart metering. Such consumers will now receive a 3% rebate on energy charges, up from the earlier 2%.

Separate energy charges have been introduced for prepaid smart meter users. These consumers will be billed monthly and will be required to maintain a sufficient account balance throughout the billing cycle.

In a key change, the benefit of Time-of-Use (ToU) discounts, earlier limited to prepaid billing, has now been extended to postpaid consumers with smart meters in categories such as RGP (Residential General Purpose), GLP (General Lighting Purpose), NRGP (Non-Residential General Purpose), LTMD (Low Tension Maximum Demand), and LT EV charging stations.

The ToU discount will be applicable for six hours daily, from 11 am to 5 pm, enabling consumers to take advantage of cheaper solar power available during the daytime.

The ToU benefit has also been expanded to all waterworks connections. The earlier condition mandating a minimum connected load of 50 HP to avail the discount has been removed. The revised provisions aim to pass on the benefits of lower-cost solar power generated during the day to end users.

The Commission has clarified that ToU charges for LT category consumers, specifically NRGP, LTMD, and LT EV charging segments, will apply only where meters with ToU recording facilities are installed.

Additionally, the green power tariff has been reduced from 90 paise per unit to 75 paise per unit, offering relief to consumers opting for renewable energy.

On fuel surcharge, GERC has allowed distribution companies to calculate charges regularly using a prescribed formula, eliminating the need for prior approval. Under this mechanism, the base power purchase cost has been fixed at Rs 5.11 per unit, while the Fuel and Power Purchase Adjustment Surcharge (FPPAS) stands at Rs 2.45 per unit. DeshGujarat