Electricity Billing in Andaman & Nicobar Islands Streamlined with New Tariff Order

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands’ electricity consumers will see changes in their billing following the approval of a new retail tariff by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the fourth control period, covering FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30. The new tariff structure, formalized in JERC’s order dated October 28, 2025, came into effect from November 1, 2025.

The revised framework introduces simplified and uniform consumer categories and sub-categories across all distribution utilities under JERC’s jurisdiction. The adjustments are based on factors such as usage, voltage levels, contracted load, and consumption patterns, along with terms and conditions of supply and miscellaneous charges.

According to energy experts, the revision aims to rationalize the retail tariff framework, providing clarity and consistency in billing for different consumer segments, ranging from domestic and commercial users to high-voltage industrial consumers. The move is expected to streamline tariff application and ensure a more predictable electricity cost structure across the islands.

The tariff order for the fourth control period is now accessible to the public on the official JERC website (www.jercuts.gov.in) and the Electricity Department’s portal (http://vidyut.andamannicobar.gov.in), allowing consumers to review the updated rates and understand category-wise applicability.

The revised tariff structure applies uniformly to all electricity consumers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring consistency in charges irrespective of the distribution utility. Observers say the rationalization of tariffs reflects a broader effort to make electricity pricing more transparent and aligned with usage patterns, voltage, and contractual obligations.

Consumers are advised to familiarize themselves with the updated categories and associated charges to avoid discrepancies in billing. The simplified tariff framework is expected to benefit both residential and commercial users by providing clearer guidance on charges based on actual usage and consumption levels.

With this update, electricity supply and billing in the islands are set to follow a more structured approach, offering greater predictability for households, businesses, and industrial consumers. The revised tariff order is a key step in aligning local electricity pricing with JERC’s standardized guidelines issued in December 2024.

The new tariffs will remain in effect for the five-year period ending in FY 2029-30 unless modified by further JERC directives, providing stability in electricity costs for residents and commercial establishments across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.