UP Consumers to Pay Higher Electricity Bills in December as 5.56% Fuel Surcharge Comes Into Effect

Residents of Uttar Pradesh will face an additional financial burden this December, as the Power Corporation has announced a 5.56% fuel surcharge on electricity bills. This surcharge has been imposed to adjust the fuel cost variation for September, according to the latest order issued by the department.

As per the State Electricity Consumers’ Council, this additional surcharge means the Power Corporation will recover nearly ₹264 crore from consumers across the state during the month of December.

Fuel Surcharge to Be Recovered from Consumers

The Council has strongly questioned the demand-based tariff system, stating that it was initially introduced with the promise of reducing consumer expenses. However, the opposite appears to be happening, as consumers continue to face increased financial pressure.

Council Raises Concerns

The Council’s President highlighted that electricity consumers currently have an outstanding surplus of nearly ₹51,000 crore with the power companies. Despite this, the imposition of an additional fuel surcharge is unfair and against consumer interests.

According to regulations, a fuel surcharge should be levied only when power companies actually incur extra expenditure. The Council claims that the present charge violates this principle, imposing unnecessary burden on households and businesses at a time when consumers are already grappling with rising costs.

The Council has urged the authorities to review the surcharge decision and ensure that consumer welfare remains a priority.

With December bringing colder temperatures and naturally higher energy usage, the sudden rise in electricity bills is expected to impact budgets for lakhs of UP families.