BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th July 2025: Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath accused the opposition of misguiding citizens regarding the installation of smart electricity meters, during a press conference held Monday at the BJP state headquarters here. He criticized the CPI(M) for protesting the recent electricity tariff adjustments despite their own record of substantial increases during their tenure.
“Electricity tariff was hiked by 62% in a single stroke in September 2010 under CPI(M)’s rule. Yet today, their leaders are staging demonstrations outside the Power Department,” said Nath.
Between 2010 and 2016, electricity tariffs saw a cumulative hike of 116.03% under the CPI(M)-led Left Front government, according to data shared by Srinath, a senior official from the Power Department. The tariff was raised by 62% in 2010, followed by a 7.75% increase in 2012, 40.45% in 2014, and 5.83% in 2015.
In comparison, the BJP-led government implemented relatively moderate adjustments over the last seven years. The tariff was reduced by 2.34% in 2020, then raised by 2.34% in 2022, 7% in 2024, and 7.15% in 2025.
Nath attributed the 2010 tariff surge to fluctuations in the international natural gas market, explaining that electricity pricing then was vulnerable to dollar-rupee exchange dynamics.
“Until 2009, natural gas was traded in dollars, causing domestic electricity prices to skyrocket when the dollar rose. After the Modi government took office, tariffs were stabilized,” Nath explained.
He further alleged that the Left Front government had initiated the privatization of the electricity sector—transferring control from direct government oversight to a corporate structure. He added that the current BJP government is following the same pricing adjustment law enacted by the commission in 2011, which allows tariff hikes to be distributed over multiple billing cycles.
Under the new system, consumers using 412 units/month will receive a bill of ₹3,005, with a government rebate of ₹150. Of the additional ₹318 due to the hike, payments will be spread out over six months to ease consumer burden.
In a bid to curb electricity theft through illegal connections or “hook lines,” Nath announced the deployment of drone cameras across critical zones.
“This government is investing in technology to ensure accountability and transparency. Those misleading the public on smart meters need to look back at their own record,” he concluded.
