If you live in Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh, or anywhere else in Assam, your electricity is distributed by the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL). Assam has one of the most structured tariff systems in Northeast India, heavily categorizing users based on their sanctioned load rather than just their consumption.
The 1 unit electricity price in Assam depends on whether your home is classified under “Jeevan Dhara,” “Domestic-A,” or “Domestic-B.” This means two neighbors consuming the exact same amount of electricity could receive drastically different bills if their sanctioned load limits differ.
Let’s break down the official FY 2026-27 tariff rates, explain how APDCL’s load-based categories work, and show you how to leverage their unique Solar Time-of-Day (ToD) 20% rebate.
Understanding APDCL’s Load-Based Categories
In many states, everyone starts on the same slab. In Assam, the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC) looks at your sanctioned load (kW) first, and then places you into a specific category with its own unique set of slab rates.
1. Jeevan Dhara (Ultra-Low Income)
This category is meant for very poor households with a sanctioned load of up to 0.5 kW and a strict consumption limit of 45 units or less per month. (Wait, wait, let me rephrase that).
If you have a 0.5 kW connection and consume under 45 units, you get the absolute cheapest rate in the state.
- Energy Rate: Flat ₹3.35 per unit
- Fixed Charge: Flat ₹40.00 per month
If you consume more than 45 units, you are automatically billed under the standard Domestic-A category.
2. Domestic-A (Standard Households: 0.5 kW to 5 kW)
This is where 90% of Assam’s residents fall. If your home has a few fans, lights, a fridge, and maybe one AC, you are likely in the Domestic-A category.
📊 Assam Domestic-A Tariff (0.5 kW to 5 kW)
| Monthly Consumption Slab | Base Energy Rate (per unit) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 120 Units | ₹ 4.25 |
| 121 – 240 Units | ₹ 6.30 |
| 241 – 300 Units | ₹ 7.20 |
| 301 – 500 Units | ₹ 7.40 |
| Above 500 Units | ₹ 8.19 |
⚡ Fixed Charges: A flat ₹70.00 per month (not per kW!) is applied, making fixed costs very low for middle-class families.
3. Domestic-B (Heavy Users: 5 kW to 30 kW)
If you have a large house with multiple air conditioners and geysers running simultaneously, APDCL requires you to have a sanctioned load above 5 kW. This shifts you into the Domestic-B category, where the cheap starting slabs are completely removed.
⚠️ Assam Domestic-B Tariff (5 kW to 30 kW)
| Monthly Consumption Slab | Base Energy Rate (per unit) |
|---|---|
| 0 – 300 Units | ₹ 6.75 |
| 301 – 500 Units | ₹ 6.95 |
| Above 500 Units | ₹ 7.74 |
Fixed Charge: A flat ₹70.00 per month is applied.
The Impact of 5% Electricity Duty
On top of your base energy charge and your flat ₹70 fixed charge, the Assam state government levies a 5% Electricity Duty on the total bill.
For example, if you are in Domestic-A and consume 200 units:
- First 120 units @ ₹4.25 = ₹510
- Next 80 units @ ₹6.30 = ₹504
- Fixed Charge = ₹70
- Subtotal = ₹1,084
- 5% Duty = ₹54.20
- Total Payable: ₹1,138
⚡ Stop Guessing Your APDCL Bill
Figuring out whether you are Domestic-A or B, applying the correct slabs, and calculating the 5% duty manually is tedious. Use our free Assam electricity bill calculator. Just enter your units and sanctioned load, and it instantly generates your exact APDCL bill.
Commercial, Small Industry & EV Tariffs
Commercial users and small industries in Assam do not receive telescopic slabs. They pay flat rates across all their consumption.
Commercial Shops (LT-IV)
Shops, offices, and commercial establishments are billed at a high flat rate and carry heavy fixed charges based on their load.
- Energy Rate: Flat ₹8.94 per unit (for all units)
- Fixed Charge: ₹150 per kW of sanctioned load per month
Small Industries Urban (LT-VIII)
To promote urban manufacturing and workshops, APDCL offers a slightly discounted industrial rate compared to standard commercial tariffs.
- Energy Rate: Flat ₹6.84 per unit
- Fixed Charge: ₹80 per kW per month
Public EV Charging (LT-X)
Public electric vehicle charging stations are heavily subsidized by waiving all fixed infrastructure charges.
- Energy Rate: Flat ₹8.72 per unit
- Fixed Charge: Nil (₹0.00)
3 Strategies to Lower Your APDCL Bill
| Strategy | Why it works in Assam |
|---|---|
| Leverage the Solar ToD Rebate | Assam offers a massive 20% rebate on energy charges if you consume solar-generated power during the daytime (9 AM to 5 PM) under the Time-of-Day (ToD) tariff structure. |
| Keep Load Under 5 kW | If your sanctioned load crosses 5 kW, you are pushed from Domestic-A to Domestic-B. You will instantly lose the cheap ₹4.25 slab, and all your starting units will be billed at ₹6.75 instead. |
| Defend the 120-Unit Boundary | For Domestic-A users, the rate jumps from ₹4.25 to ₹6.30 the moment you cross 120 units. Switching just two old ceiling fans to BLDC fans can keep you under this critical 120-unit line. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1 unit electricity price in Assam?
If your sanctioned load is under 5 kW (Domestic-A), your first 120 units cost ₹4.25, scaling up to ₹8.19 for heavy use. However, if your load is above 5 kW (Domestic-B), your base rate starts much higher at ₹6.75 per unit. A 5% duty is added to all bills.
How does sanctioned load affect my APDCL bill?
In Assam, your load determines your slab category. A load up to 5 kW gives you access to the cheap “Domestic-A” slabs. A load above 5 kW pushes you into the expensive “Domestic-B” category, which has no cheap starting slabs.
What is the fixed charge for electricity in Assam?
Unlike most states that charge “per kW,” APDCL charges a simple flat ₹70 per month as a fixed charge for both Domestic-A and Domestic-B households, regardless of the exact load.
How much is the Electricity Duty in Assam?
The Government of Assam levies an Electricity Duty of 5% on your total electricity bill amount.
What is the Jeevan Dhara tariff?
Jeevan Dhara is a special ultra-low tariff (₹3.35 per unit) meant for very low-income households. You only qualify if your sanctioned load is 0.5 kW or less, and you consume under 45 units a month.
Do commercial shops get the ₹4.25 slab rate?
No. Commercial properties (LT-IV) are not billed on telescopic slabs. They pay a flat rate of ₹8.94 for every single unit consumed, plus a very high fixed charge of ₹150 per kW of load.
Official Resource: For further details on tariff orders, solar ToD rebates, and smart meter guidelines, visit the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) Official Website.
Disclaimer: The tariff rates, fixed charges, and duty figures mentioned are based on the latest AERC Tariff Orders. Electricity tariffs are subject to periodic revisions. Always refer to your official APDCL bill or smart meter app for your exact billing details.
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