Tripura consumers protest soaring electricity bills and rising service charges as CPI(M) leaders accuse the BJP government and TSECL of organised loot, citing declining power generation, increased dependence on purchased electricity and growing financial pressure on households.
Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) has come under increasing criticism amid growing resentment among consumers over what they describe as unusually high electricity bills, rising service charges and additional levies. Complaints about sharply increased monthly bills have reportedly emerged from several parts of the state, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
In a number of areas, electricity consumers have staged protests and demonstrations outside local electricity offices, demanding explanations from the authorities over the sudden rise in their bills. Consumers have questioned why their electricity expenses have increased significantly despite no corresponding increase in their consumption or the number of electrical appliances being used.
The issue has also reportedly affected consumers who have installed solar panels. Some solar-panel users claimed that monthly service charges, which earlier remained around Rs 200 to Rs 251, were increased substantially within a short period. They questioned the basis for repeated hikes in service and other additional charges and sought greater transparency from TSECL.
According to consumers, bills in several cases have nearly doubled despite similar patterns of electricity consumption. The complaints have triggered concerns over the functioning of the state power utility and the regulatory mechanism responsible for monitoring electricity tariffs and related charges.
Some consumers have also questioned the role of the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission, alleging that sufficient attention has not been paid to the difficulties being faced by households. They have demanded clarification regarding the basis on which different charges are being revised and whether consumers are being adequately informed about such changes.
The controversy has also drawn a sharp political response from the principal opposition CPI(M), which has accused the BJP-led government of placing an increasing financial burden on ordinary consumers. Former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar described the situation as an “organised loot” and argued that electricity should be viewed as part of a broader issue involving essential public services and household livelihoods.
“Electricity should not be treated in isolation. Education, health, electricity, purchasing power, livelihood opportunities and means of survival. Everything is at stake,” Sarkar said, while alleging that complaints of inflated electricity bills were being reported almost every day.
Sarkar also compared the present power situation with the period when the Left Front was in government. He claimed that Tripura had emerged as a power-surplus state during that period and that electricity generated within the state was supplied to other northeastern states.
According to Sarkar, Tripura has failed to expand its own generation capacity sufficiently in recent years and has instead witnessed a decline in generation. He also criticised the government over the condition of power infrastructure, arguing that greater attention should be given to repairing power lines and installing electricity poles.
Former Power Minister and veteran CITU leader Manik Dey also criticised the present electricity situation. He claimed that electricity tariffs had been increased in phases, with the government citing financial losses suffered by TSECL as a reason for taking corrective measures.
Dey said the state-owned power corporation had achieved a breakeven position during the Left Front period and had maintained its own financial resources. He further claimed that Tripura had its own generation capacity of around 80 to 100 megawatts, allowing electricity to be supplied to domestic consumers at subsidised rates.
He also alleged that the closure or reduced operation of several power-generation facilities had contributed to a substantial decline in Tripura’s own electricity production.
“Baramura is totally closed. Dumboor is also closed. One unit of Rukhia is running. The total generation has reduced substantially,” Dey claimed.
According to the former Power Minister, the decline in domestic generation has increased TSECL’s dependence on electricity purchased from external sources. He argued that the higher cost associated with purchased power is ultimately being transferred to consumers through increased electricity tariffs and other charges.
Dey further claimed that Tripura had previously sold around 100 to 150 megawatts of electricity to Bangladesh, generating revenue that helped reduce the burden on domestic consumers. He alleged that the volume of electricity trade with Bangladesh has now fallen to around 50 megawatts.
The CPI(M) leader also claimed that TSECL has accumulated significant losses, alleging that the corporation recorded a loss of around Rs 1,400 crore in its recent balance sheet. He said the state government must accept responsibility for the financial condition of the power utility and address the concerns of consumers.
The allegations have intensified the debate over electricity tariffs, power generation and the financial health of TSECL in Tripura. With consumers demanding explanations over higher bills and additional charges, pressure is mounting on the electricity authorities to clarify the reasons behind the increases and address complaints regarding billing.
| Also Read: Tripura HC orders TSECL to restore Banamalipur flats’ power |
The controversy has also placed the government’s power-management policies under renewed scrutiny. While CPI(M) leaders have linked the rising burden on consumers to declining state-owned generation and increased dependence on purchased electricity, consumers are seeking a transparent explanation of their bills, service charges and tariff structure.
With protests and public grievances continuing to emerge from different areas, the issue is likely to remain a significant political and public concern in Tripura. The immediate challenge for TSECL and the government will be to respond to consumer complaints, explain the tariff and service-charge structure and restore confidence among electricity users.
