In a historic announcement for the people of Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has declared that from August 1, 2025, free power worth 125 units will be provided to all families in the state. This move is expected to benefit 1.67 crore citizens across the state. The step will decrease the quantum of electricity bills and assist poor and middle-class families to save money.
Why this news is more wonderful is that the advantage of free electricity will begin from the July bill itself, not only from August. Therefore, people won’t be charged for electricity if the usage is a maximum of 125 units even in July.
What is Bihar’s 125 Units Free Electricity Scheme?
According to this new scheme, all the families in Bihar will be provided free of cost with the first 125 units of electricity. That is, if you are consuming 125 units or less, your bill will be zero. If your consumption is above 125 units, you will be charged only for the amount consumed above this figure.
For example, if a family uses 100 units, there is no bill. But if they use 150 units, they are only charged for 25 extra units. This saves families between ₹900 and ₹950 every month, which is a big relief for many families.
Now, in urban areas, the rate is ₹7.50 a unit for the first 50 units and ₹7.96 a unit for the rest of the units. This free electricity plan will cut down on a significant amount of the bill.
July Bill Will Also Be Free
While the scheme technically operates from August 1, the government has made it clear that the relief would be advanced and be applied against the electricity consumed in July. Consumers would thus get the discount on the next electricity bill.
Slabs Can Be Fixed by Government Such As Delhi
The general framework of the scheme has not yet been announced, but it seems the government might adopt a slab format similar to Delhi. This would imply:
- 0 to 125 units – Free
- 125 to 200 units – Low rate
- 200 to 300 units – Higher rate
The more you use, the more you could be charged above the free allowance.
300 Units Could Be Free With Solar Panels
Nitish Kumar also planned to provide solar panels on roofs in the next three years. At the request of families, the panels would be placed for free in poor families’ homes. The consumers can avail up to 300 units of electricity per month after installation at no cost. It is possible without any government subsidy due to solar power.
It is being touted as a giant step ahead of the polls. Delhi and Punjab have taken the free electricity schemes as an election-winning strategy, and Bihar also appears to be on the same road.
Whether it helps the people or not in the long term, it certainly infuses 1.67 crore families with tremendous cost-cutting and hope. Let us wait and watch how the things go in the next few months.