Bihar touts power sector gains in 2025 with free electricity, record revenue

TDT | Agencies

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Bihar’s energy sector posted significant gains in 2025, with the state government citing improved power supply, financial turnaround and rising investment as key achievements under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Officials said Bihar ensured round-the-clock, affordable and sustainable electricity during the year, with rising demand reflecting industrial growth and rapid infrastructure development. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav said the increase in power consumption signalled expanding investment, adding that 2025 marked a year of innovation and self-reliance for the department.

A flagship measure was the provision of free electricity of up to 125 units per month to domestic consumers, benefiting around 90 percent of households. The state allocated subsidies worth nearly Rs. 19,800 crore in the 2025–26 financial year. Farmers also received power for irrigation at sharply reduced rates, lowering costs compared with diesel and supporting higher incomes.

The government reported efficiency gains, with aggregate technical and commercial losses falling below the national average and power distribution companies posting profits of more than Rs. 2,000 crore in 2024–25. Bihar also attracted large investments in renewable and thermal energy projects, including pumped storage schemes and a proposed 2,400-megawatt thermal power plant in Bhagalpur.

Officials said the energy sector generated thousands of jobs during the year and earned multiple national awards for service delivery, innovation and consumer satisfaction, reinforcing Bihar’s growing profile in India’s power sector.