Thiruvananthapuram: Electricity charges have been increased in Kerala with a hike of 16 paise per unit. The new rates will be charged with effect from Thursday. This is the fifth time the Pinarayi government has raised electricity rates since coming to power. 

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had requested a 4.45% increase (37 paise). 

As per the KSEB, the rate increase will not affect those who consume up to 40 units. The Electricity Regulatory Commission has stated that rates will increase by 16 paise in the 2024-25 financial year and 12 paise in 2025-26. However, no rate increase is expected for the 2026-27 financial year, according to reports.

Last year, there was an increase in the fixed charges on the electricity bills. However, no changes have been made to these charges this year. KSEB had also requested the implementation of a summer tariff of 10 paise per unit for the period from January to May. However, the proposal was not approved by the Regulatory Commission.

For agricultural electricity usage, a 5 paise per unit increase has been imposed. It is estimated that around 5 lakh people will be affected by this rate hike. The new rates have been in effect since December 5, as reported.