Chennai, July 7
Electric vehicle (EV) charging operators across Tamil Nadu are bracing for a steep rise in operational costs following a significant revision in power tariffs by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), effective July 1.
The revised tariff structure has increased both energy charges and fixed monthly charges for EV charging stations, raising concerns among operators about the economic viability of public charging infrastructure in the state.
While TNERC has retained its time-of-day (ToD) tariff model -- first introduced in 2023 to incentivise off-peak charging -- it has hiked electricity rates across all time slots.
Under the new structure, charging during solar hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will cost Rs 6.50 per kWh; during peak hours (6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. -10 p.m.), the rate rises to Rs 9.75 per kWh, up from Rs 9.45.
Night charging (10 p.m.- 6 a.m.) will cost Rs 8.10 per kWh, compared to Rs 7.85 earlier.
The more significant burden, however, comes from the sharp increase in fixed charges for high-tension (HT) connections -- the type typically used by fast-charging stations. These monthly fixed charges have more than doubled, rising from Rs 145 to Rs 304 per kVA.
These are levied based on sanctioned load and apply regardless of actual usage. For example, a 50 kW fast-charging station, which previously paid around Rs 1,300 in fixed charges, will now pay Rs 2,750 per month -- excluding electricity taxes.