Chhattisgarh Releases Draft Multi-Year Tariff Regulations 2025 To Ensure Transparent And Efficient Electricity Pricing

The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) has released a draft of its regulations for determining Multi-Year Tariffs (MYT) for 2025. The draft, titled “Draft Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for determination of Multi-Year Tariff) Regulations, 2025,” provides a detailed framework for setting electricity tariffs over the coming years. The document is presented as an explanatory memorandum to clarify the principles and procedures that will guide tariff determination in the state.

A major focus of the draft is on financial principles that will govern how tariffs are calculated. The regulations provide detailed guidance on how capital costs and capital structure should be determined, including specifications for the debt-to-equity ratio. It also explains how interest on loans and working capital will be considered. The draft further outlines the methodology for accounting for different expenses, including operation and maintenance (O&M) and depreciation. A detailed schedule of depreciation rates for various assets is included. For example, fabricated steel lines operating at voltages higher than 66 kV are assigned a depreciation rate of 4.22%, while self-propelled vehicles are given a rate of 9.50%. This clear approach is intended to create consistency and transparency in financial calculations.

The draft also describes the procedures for filing petitions with the CSERC. This ensures that all stakeholders, including power companies and consumers, have a formal way to raise concerns or provide inputs regarding tariff-related issues. By establishing clear procedures, the commission aims to make the system fair and transparent. The document defines key terms and sets a structured framework, which is expected to create a predictable environment for both the electricity industry and consumers in Chhattisgarh.

Another important aspect highlighted in the draft is the emphasis on efficiency. The regulations suggest that efficiency parameters may be included in the final rules to encourage cost-effective operations. This means that licensees who manage their expenses well and operate efficiently could be rewarded, promoting continuous improvement in the electricity sector. The draft also provides guidance on how income from other business activities will be accounted for when calculating the total revenue requirement, ensuring that all relevant financial factors are considered in tariff determination.

Overall, the draft MYT regulations serve as a foundational document for the electricity sector in Chhattisgarh. By outlining clear rules for cost calculation, depreciation, revenue accounting, and stakeholder engagement, the CSERC aims to maintain regulatory clarity and stability. The regulations are designed to create a transparent, fair, and predictable system for tariff setting, benefiting both consumers and the power industry. With the draft now released, stakeholders have the opportunity to review and provide feedback before the final regulations are adopted, ensuring that the framework meets the needs of all parties involved while promoting efficiency and financial discipline in the state’s electricity sector.

The draft regulations mark a significant step towards modernizing the tariff framework in Chhattisgarh, reflecting a careful balance between financial prudence, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. They are expected to provide a clear path for the state’s electricity sector over the next control period, ensuring stability and predictability in electricity pricing.