Save ₹40 on 100 Units: Fuel Surcharge Cut by 40 Paise/Unit for Oct-Dec Usage, 2nd Cut in 9 Months
On the occasion of ‘Good Governance Day,’ the Gujarat government announced a reduction in fuel surcharge by 40 paise. Energy Minister Kanu Desai stated that this reduction, applicable to fuel surcharge recoveries between October and December 2024, will remain in effect until further revisions.
Savings Example for 100 Units of Consumption
For 100 units of electricity usage, the previous fuel surcharge of ₹2.85 per unit amounted to ₹285. With a 40 paise reduction, the surcharge drops to ₹2.45 per unit, reducing the total surcharge to ₹245. This change saves ₹40 for every 100 units consumed.
Previous Reduction in March 2024
In March 2024, the government had reduced the fuel surcharge by 50 paise, from ₹3.35 to ₹2.85 per unit. With the latest 40 paise reduction, the fuel surcharge has dropped by 90 paise within nine months, resulting in a savings of ₹90 for every 100 units.
₹1,120 Crore Benefit for 1.75 Crore Consumers
Minister Kanu Desai highlighted that this reduction will benefit approximately 1.75 crore consumers in Gujarat, saving ₹1,120 crore collectively for electricity usage between October and December 2024. The adjustment aligns with the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission’s formula, which bases surcharge rates on changes in fuel prices during the prior quarter.
40 Paise Reduction per Unit for Customers
State-owned power distribution companies have effectively maintained fuel surcharge rates this year. With efficient power procurement and stable purchase rates, the government decided to reduce the surcharge by 40 paise per unit starting October 1, 2024, benefiting consumers significantly.
Monthly Savings of ₹50-60 for 100 Units
For residential consumers using 100 units per month, the reduction in fuel surcharge will result in monthly savings of ₹50-60. Energy Minister Kanu Desai reiterated that the reduced rate of ₹2.45 per unit will be applied for the October-December 2024 quarter.
18.95 Lakh Farmers Receive Daytime Electricity
The minister stated that of Gujarat’s 18,225 villages, 17,193 villages now have 20.51 lakh agricultural connections. Among these, 16,561 villages provide daytime electricity to 18.95 lakh farmers.
Farmers in Dwarka, Kutch, and Banaskantha to Receive Daytime Electricity Soon
Under the ‘Kisan Suryoday Yojana,’ 96% of farmers in Gujarat receive daytime electricity. Efforts are underway to extend the benefit to the remaining 4%, primarily in 632 villages of Dwarka, Kutch, and Banaskantha districts.
Daytime Electricity Timings for Farmers
In 16,561 villages, 11,927 villages provide electricity in single shifts from 8 AM to 4 PM or 9 AM to 5 PM. The remaining 4,634 villages offer electricity in two shifts from 5 AM to 1 PM and 1 PM to 9 PM.
Six New Sub-Divisional Offices Approved
As part of good governance initiatives, six new sub-divisional offices have been approved in Gandhinagar (Nanachiloda and Sargasan), Banaskantha (Tharad), Ahmedabad (Ghuma and Bopal), and Kheda (Pipalgadh). These offices will include 251 officials and staff members.
Progress in Agricultural Connections and Renewable Energy
Over the last decade, the state has provided 10 lakh new agricultural electricity connections, averaging 1 lakh per year. Currently, there are no significant delays in granting new connections, which are typically processed within 3-4 months. Gujarat leads in per capita electricity consumption at 2,238 units, nearly double the national average of 1,255 units, reflecting the state’s development.
Gujarat Leads in Solar and Renewable Energy
Under the ‘PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme,’ Gujarat has installed over 900 MW of solar rooftop systems for 2.42 lakh consumers, ranking first in the country. Additionally, the state has commissioned 37 solar plants with a combined capacity of 108.570 MW under the PM-KUSUM-C scheme, benefiting 48,648 agricultural consumers. Gujarat also leads in renewable energy capacity with 30 GW, including wind, solar, hydro, and bio-power.
