The recent actions taken by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) have sparked worries among approximately four lakh electricity users in Noida. Starting in April 2025, consumers will face an increase in electricity rates, which will be compounded by a 1.24 percent fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharge (FPPAS) added to their bills. This change is expected to impose additional financial strain on residential, commercial, and industrial users, as reported by local media.
In January 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission sanctioned the fuel surcharge as part of a multi-year tariff regulation. This regulation introduced a 1.24 percent surcharge on all consumer bills for April, meaning that for every Rs 1,000 bill, an extra Rs 12.40 would be charged. The department has now suggested another rate increase.
This proposed hike will be addressed during a public hearing set for June 2025, where the Consumer Council plans to strongly contest it. Awadhesh Verma, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Upbhokta Parishad, criticized the increase as unfair to consumers, noting that power companies have already engaged in excessive recovery practices. It has been reported that an unjust recovery amounting to Rs 1,176 crore was identified in Greater Noida up to the fiscal year 2021-22.
Verma further argued that no new hikes should be implemented until the companies settle their outstanding dues to consumers. Meanwhile, Superintending Engineer Vivek Patel refrained from commenting, stating that any directives from the government would be executed promptly.