PATNA, March 19 -- Around 8.7 million electricity consumers in Bihar using smart prepaid meters (SPMs) will face a differential tariff structure from April 1, with power usage during evening peak hours attracting a 10%-20% premium, while daytime consumption will fetch rebates of up to 20%.

The move follows the introduction of time of day (ToD) tariff by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) as part of the 2026-27 tariff order. Notably, the regulator has not approved any overall hike in electricity tariffs across consumer categories.

"All non-agricultural consumers with contract demand of more than 10 kilo-watt (kW), or those with smart meters irrespective of load, will mandatorily come under the ToD regime," said Amir Subha...