Congress Fights Impending Power Tariff Hike in Odisha

The Congress party announced plans for statewide protests if the Odisha power tariff is increased for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Concerns mount as electricity stakeholders demand hikes amid pending industry dues. The party urges the government to honor its free power pledge and reject the proposed increase.

The Congress party has issued a stern warning to the Odisha government, threatening protests throughout the state if power tariffs are increased in the 2025-26 financial year. Senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo held a press conference highlighting ongoing hearings by the Odisha Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC) concerning the proposed tariff hike.

Stakeholders in power supply have lobbied for a raise, causing apprehension among domestic consumers. Kanungo criticized the government for failing to deliver on its pre-election promise of 300 units of free electricity and pointed out the proposed increase of 12.42 paise per unit, calling it unacceptable.

Youth Congress leader Yashir Nawaz questioned why power distribution companies sought higher tariffs when significant electricity dues remain outstanding against industrial units. The Congress demands rejection of the tariff hike and immediate implementation of free power, threatening widespread agitations.