Members of the Electricity Consumers and Employees Welfare Association staged a protest outside the TSECL office in Agartala against the recent electricity tariff hike and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Protesters demanded affordable power services, opposed privatization initiatives, and raised concerns over increasing electricity bills.
Raising strong objections to the recent increase in electricity tariffs and the proposed reforms in the power sector, members of the Electricity Consumers and Employees Welfare Association on Tuesday organized a protest demonstration in front of the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) office in Agartala.
The demonstrators alleged that the government is placing an increasing financial burden on ordinary citizens through repeated hikes in electricity tariffs and the imposition of additional service-related charges. Holding placards and raising slogans, protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the revised electricity tariffs and urged authorities to reconsider policy measures that they claim are adversely affecting consumers across the state.
A major concern raised during the demonstration was the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which association members believe could pave the way for greater privatization in the power distribution sector. According to the protesters, such reforms may undermine public control over electricity services and prioritize commercial interests over the welfare of consumers.
Association leaders argued that electricity is an essential public service and should remain accessible and affordable for all sections of society. They expressed concern that privatization initiatives could lead to higher costs for consumers while reducing accountability in the delivery of power services.
The protesters also criticized the growing implementation of smart metering systems and various service charges linked to power consumption. They claimed that these measures have contributed to public anxiety regarding rising electricity bills, particularly among low-income and middle-income households. According to them, many families are already struggling with increasing living costs and are finding it difficult to absorb additional expenses related to electricity usage.
Members of the association further warned that the proposed amendments to the power sector framework could negatively impact employees working in the electricity sector. They alleged that reforms linked to privatization may threaten job security and weaken employee protections in the long run.
During the demonstration, participants called upon consumers throughout Tripura to unite in defense of affordable and accessible electricity services. They urged policymakers to engage in broader public consultations before implementing major reforms affecting the power sector.
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The association reiterated its demand for the rollback of the recent electricity tariff hike, the suspension of privatization-related initiatives, and the withdrawal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Protesters maintained that safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring reliable, affordable power supply should remain the primary objective of the state’s electricity policies.
