How to read your electricity bill in India - every line explained

Every Indian electricity bill, whatever the DISCOM, has the same five blocks: who you are (consumer number, category, sanctioned load), what the meter read (previous and present readings, units, reading type), what the tariff charges (energy charge by slab, fixed charge), what is added (fuel surcharge, duty, other surcharges, arrears) and what is taken off (subsidy, rebates, advance payments). Reading the bill block by block tells you whether a high amount comes from higher consumption, a different rate, a surcharge, an estimate, or old dues. Keep your bill and a photo of your meter side by side as you go.

Part of electricity bill calculation worked examples.

Block 1: consumer and connection details

Field	What to check
Consumer number / CA number / service number	Matches your connection; you need it for every complaint
Name and address	The registered holder; important for subsidy schemes
Tariff category	Should say domestic or residential (e.g. "LT-IA" in Tamil Nadu, "DOM" in Delhi)
Sanctioned load (kW)	Drives the fixed charge; compare with your actual use
Supply type	Single-phase or three-phase
Meter number	Must match the meter on your wall
Billing cycle	Monthly or bi-monthly, with bill date and period

A wrong category is a common and expensive mistake. A home billed under a commercial or non-domestic category pays higher rates and usually loses state subsidy. If you run a small shop or clinic from home, your state's supply code decides which category applies; ask the DISCOM in writing.

Block 2: readings and units

Field	Meaning
Previous reading and date	Reading at the start of the period
Present reading and date	Reading at the end
Multiplying factor	Usually 1 for homes
Units consumed	Difference × factor
Reading status	Actual (OK/normal), average, provisional, door locked, meter defective, RNA (reading not available)
Maximum demand (kW or kVA)	Shown on smart and some electronic meters; relevant to sanctioned load

If the status is anything other than an actual reading, the units are an estimate. The next actual reading will correct it, which can produce a large bill. The fix is to get the estimate corrected and, where slabs were affected, the bill revised period by period. See why electricity bills suddenly go up.

Block 3: tariff charges

Energy charge. Most bills show a slab breakdown, for example under the Delhi DERC schedule:

Slab	Units	Rate	Amount
0–200	200	₹3.00	₹600.00
201–400	120	₹4.50	₹540.00
Energy charge	320		₹1,140.00

Fixed charge. Sanctioned load × rate for your load band, or a flat amount per connection. In Tamil Nadu the domestic fixed charge is nil under TNERC Order No. 6 of 2025. In Delhi a 3 kW load pays 3 × ₹50 = ₹150. More in fixed charges and sanctioned load.

Wheeling or network charge. Some states, such as Maharashtra, show a separate per-unit wheeling charge for use of the DISCOM network.

Block 4: what is added

Line	Typical basis	Where to check the rate
FPPAS / PPAC / FAC	% or paise per unit, monthly	DISCOM tariff page, SERC orders; see FPPAS explained
Electricity duty / tax	% or paise per unit, by state law	State energy department, bill footnotes
Regulatory or pension surcharge	% approved by SERC	Tariff order
Meter rent	Fixed per month, if allowed	Tariff order
Arrears	Unpaid earlier amounts	Previous bills and receipts
Late payment surcharge	% on overdue amount	Supply code or tariff order
Interest on security deposit	Credit, often annual	Supply code

Block 5: what is taken off

Government subsidy under the state scheme (Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and others). See free electricity schemes.
Prompt payment or digital payment rebate, where the tariff order allows one.
Solar export credit under net metering: imported units, exported units and net units should be shown. See PM Surya Ghar and net metering.
Advance or excess payment carried forward.

Due date, disconnection date and payment

The due date is the last date to pay without late payment surcharge. Some bills also show a disconnection date; under Section 56 of the Electricity Act, 2003 the DISCOM must give at least 15 clear days' written notice before disconnecting for non-payment, and a bill notice may serve as that notice under your state's rules. Pay through the DISCOM website or app, UPI apps through Bharat BillPay, or collection centres, and keep the transaction reference.

A 5-minute check

Category and sanctioned load are right.
Reading status is "actual"; units match your meter photo.
Billing period is the usual length.
Slab breakdown matches the tariff order.
Surcharge percentage matches the DISCOM's published rate for that month.
Subsidy line appears if you are registered.
Arrears match what you know you owe.

If any step fails, follow the bill check and dispute checklist. For deeper calculations use the electricity bill estimator.

Frequently asked questions

What does "RNA" or "door locked" mean on my bill?

The meter reader could not take a reading, so the bill is estimated, usually from past average use. Send the DISCOM a photo of your meter with the date to get a corrected bill, or allow access next time.

Why is the maximum demand shown higher than my sanctioned load?

Your appliances drew more power at one moment than your sanctioned load. Repeated excess can lead to a load revision. Spread heavy loads like geysers, induction hobs and ACs so they do not all run together.

Can I get the bill in my language?

Many DISCOMs print bills in the state language and English and offer bills by SMS, email and app. Ask your DISCOM.

What is the security deposit line?

DISCOMs hold a security deposit linked to your average bill. They may ask for an additional deposit if consumption rises, and must pay interest on it as set in the supply code.

Sources and where to check

Ministry of Power — Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules on billing and payment
NPCI — Bharat Connect (formerly Bharat BillPay), the BBPS network for paying electricity bills
TNPDCL — sample tariff schedule and bill calculator
India Code — Electricity Act, 2003, Section 56