Raipur / The Chhattisgarh Congress has announced a statewide phased agitation against the increase in electricity tariffs, the installation of smart electricity meters, and the discontinuation of the “Half Electricity Bill up to 400 Units” scheme. The party said it would continue its protests until the state government rolls back the recent tariff hike, reinstates the subsidy scheme, and withdraws the smart meter rollout.
Addressing a press conference at Rajiv Bhavan in Raipur, Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Deepak Baij accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state government of placing an increasing financial burden on consumers through repeated electricity price hikes.
Congress Announces Four-Phase Statewide Movement
Deepak Baij said the Congress would launch a four-phase protest campaign across Chhattisgarh beginning August 1.
According to the party, the movement aims to:
- Roll back the recent electricity tariff hikes
- Reintroduce the “Half Electricity Bill up to 400 Units” scheme
- Stop and withdraw the installation of smart electricity meters
Congress workers will conduct awareness campaigns across the state and mobilize public support against what the party describes as anti-consumer electricity policies.
Phase One: District-Level Press Conferences
As part of the first phase, the Congress organized press conferences in all districts on August 1 to highlight its objections to the revised electricity tariffs.
Party leaders alleged that electricity is an essential public service and argued that increasing tariffs at a time of rising household expenses would adversely affect ordinary consumers.
Phase Two: Door-to-Door Campaign
Beginning August 2, Congress workers plan to launch a door-to-door outreach campaign across the state.
During this phase, party workers will:
- Collect applications from consumers demanding the removal of smart meters.
- Conduct a signature campaign opposing the electricity tariff hike.
- Gather public feedback over a two-month period.
The collected applications will later be submitted to the electricity department.
Proposed Demonstrations at Electricity Offices
After completing the public outreach campaign, the Congress plans to organize demonstrations outside electricity department offices in all districts.
Party leaders said they would submit the collected applications to officials and obtain formal acknowledgments of receipt.
According to the Congress, if the government does not respond positively to the demands, the agitation will be intensified.
Chief Minister’s Residence to Be Gheraoed
Deepak Baij also announced that the Congress would eventually stage a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence after completing the district-level campaign.
He stated that since the Chief Minister also holds the Energy portfolio, the government must directly address public concerns regarding electricity tariffs and smart meters.
Congress Alleges Repeated Electricity Tariff Hikes
The Congress alleged that the BJP government has increased electricity tariffs for the fifth consecutive time since coming to power.
According to the party:
- Domestic consumers have seen tariff increases ranging from 30 to 50 paise per unit.
- Commercial and non-domestic consumers have experienced increases of 20 to 40 paise per unit.
- Agricultural pump connections have also witnessed an increase of 40 paise per unit.
The party claimed that cumulative electricity tariff increases under the current government have reached 31.23%.
Fuel Surcharge Adds to Consumer Burden
The Congress further alleged that consumers are already facing additional costs due to a 12% electricity fuel surcharge (MPPS), which has increased overall electricity bills.
According to the party, rising tariffs combined with fuel surcharges are placing significant financial pressure on households across the state.
Concerns Over Smart Meters
The Congress also raised concerns regarding the implementation of smart electricity meters.
Deepak Baij alleged that:
- Smart meters are recording higher electricity consumption than actual usage.
- Consumers’ contracted electricity load is allegedly being increased without prior consent.
- Higher recorded consumption results in larger electricity bills and additional penalties.
The party claimed these practices are causing electricity bills in some cases to rise by three to four times.
These allegations reflect the Congress party’s position. The state government and electricity distribution authorities may have different explanations regarding billing practices and the implementation of smart meters.
Reference to Union Energy Minister’s Statement
Deepak Baij referred to a statement made by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Parliament in April 2026, where he reportedly stated that smart prepaid electricity meters are not mandatory and should not be installed without the consumer’s consent.
Based on this, the Congress questioned the implementation of smart meters in Chhattisgarh and alleged that installations are taking place without obtaining consumer approval.
Congress’s Three Key Demands
The party has placed three principal demands before the state government:
- Immediately roll back the recent electricity tariff hikes.
- Restore the “Half Electricity Bill up to 400 Units” scheme.
- Withdraw the installation of smart electricity meters across the state.
Examples from Other States
Deepak Baij also referred to developments in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, stating that decisions regarding smart meters in those states demonstrate the need to carefully consider consumer interests.
He urged the Chhattisgarh Government to review its smart meter policy and take what the Congress described as a pro-consumer decision.
The Congress has indicated that its agitation will continue until its demands are addressed. The state government’s response to these demands and allegations is awaited.
