Tariff types and cooking-fuel options compared
How the main electricity billing structures and cooking-gas options work in Indian homes, who they suit and what to watch.
This table compares structures and options, not prices of individual DISCOMs or gas companies. Use it to understand which kind of tariff or fuel you are on and what that means for your bill. Rates for any specific state are in the guides, always with the tariff order and date.
Select a column header to sort.
| Option | How it works | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telescopic slab tariff | Each block of units is charged at its own slab rate; crossing a slab raises only the extra units | Most households; predictable when usage is steady | Bi-monthly billing or a long billing period can push more units into upper slabs |
| Non-telescopic or category tariff | Crossing a threshold changes the rate for all units or moves you to a different category | Rarely an advantage; some states use it to target subsidy | A few extra units can raise the whole bill sharply; know the threshold |
| Fixed charge per kW of sanctioned load | A monthly amount per kW of contracted load, regardless of use | Homes whose load matches their real peak demand | Too high a sanctioned load wastes money; too low risks excess-demand penalties |
| Fuel and power purchase adjustment surcharge (FPPAS) | A monthly percentage or per-unit add-on to pass through changes in power purchase cost | Nobody chooses it; it applies automatically | It can add a double-digit percentage in some months; check the DISCOM's published rate |
| Time-of-day (ToD) tariff | Lower rate in solar hours and higher rate in peak hours, read by a smart meter | Homes that can shift washing, pumping, EV charging or water heating to daytime | Evening-heavy usage costs more; check your SERC's ToD schedule and start date |
| Smart prepaid meter | You recharge a balance; consumption is deducted near real time | Tenants and households that want close control of spending | Low balance can trigger disconnection; keep the app alerts on and know the emergency credit rules |
| Net metering with rooftop solar | Exported units are set off against imported units on the bill | Homes with a shade-free roof and daytime surplus | State rules on settlement period and payment for surplus units vary |
| 14.2 kg domestic LPG | Refill bought at the oil company's notified price, delivered home | Most households, including where PNG is not laid | Price is revised periodically; never pay more than the cash memo amount |
| LPG under PMUY | Same cylinder; targeted subsidy credited per refill up to an annual cap | Eligible women from poor households holding a PMUY connection | Subsidy needs a linked bank account and eKYC; annual refill cap applies |
| Piped natural gas (PNG) | Metered gas billed per standard cubic metre by the city gas distribution company | Flats and houses in areas where the CGD network is laid | Connection deposit, minimum charges and price revisions; check the CGD company's tariff |
Rules differ by state and by DISCOM. Check your SERC's latest tariff order and your DISCOM's website for electricity, and the oil company or city gas distribution company for gas. Useful official homepages: Ministry of Power, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.