The announcement of a 10% surcharge on electricity bills by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) has sparked significant backlash across the state. Effective from the June billing cycle, the “fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharge” will add an extra cost based on consumers' electricity usage, with calculations starting from March 2026.
In a communication dated May 29, Pankaj Saxena, Chief Engineer of the Regulatory Affairs Unit,detailed the new guidelines issued by the Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) under Multi-Year Tariff framework. The letter specified that the surcharge, amounting to 10% for March, will be reflected in bills sent out in June. Saxena's directive emphasized the need for implementation across all consumer categories.
Political leaders have condemned the surcharge as a failure of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Pramod Tiwari, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, criticized the decision, stating it exposes the government's inability to provide reliable electricity. He highlighted the adverse impact of frequent power cuts during the peak summer months,which disrupt daily life and economic activities, particularly in rural areas. Tiwari remarked, “The claim of ‘24-hour electricity’ has busted with the State’s power system crumbling.” He called for immediate withdrawal of the surcharge and urged the government to enhance electricity supply through federal support .
The Samajwadi Party (SP) also voiced strong objections, demanding accountability from the Energy Department. SP spokesperson Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’ described the situation as “ridiculous governance,” pointing out that residents are already grappling with severe power shortages and unannounced outages. He criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on promises of affordable and uninterrupted electricity, stating, “The U.P. Power Corporation and the BJP government... have proved to be utter failures.”
As the state grapples with rising electricity costs amid ongoing power supply issues, the surcharge has become a focal point for political criticism. The opposition parties argue that additional financial burden on consumers during a time of crisis is unacceptable, further intensifying calls for government accountability and action.
