Nitish Cabinet okays 125 units of free power to 16.7 mn consumers

In a significant decision poised to influence the upcoming state elections, the Bihar Cabinet, chaired by chief minister Nitish Kumar, on Friday approved a proposal to provide 125 units of free electricity per month to approximately 16.7 million domestic power consumers starting August 1, 2025.

- Subhash Pathak

The move, announced by Kumar on his social media platform X, is being widely interpreted as a populist measure to bolster voter support as the Janata Dal (United)-led government gears up for the 2025 assembly polls.

The cabinet's decision, detailed by energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, ensures that no fixed or additional charges will be levied on domestic consumers using up to 125 units of electricity monthly. This benefit extends to all 18.6 million domestic consumers in Bihar, with the 16.7 million consuming up to 125 units receiving 100% subsidy. Consumers exceeding this threshold will continue to benefit from subsidised rates under the Mukhya Mantri Vidyut Upbhokta Sahayta Yojana. For instance, a consumer using 200 units will only be billed for 75 units at a subsidized rate, ensuring widespread relief.