PATNA, March 24 -- The time-of-day (ToD) tariff, introduced by the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission (BERC) for all its smart prepaid meter users in its 2026-27 power tariff order issued on March 18, offering up to 20% rebate on daytime electricity consumption and higher charges during evening peak hours, is expected to ease pressure on LPG usage amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The new tariff structure, effective April 1, is seen as a major incentive for households to shift high-energy consumption - including cooking on electrical and infrared induction stoves - to off-peak hours, thereby reducing both electricity bills and dependence on cooking gas. Under the order, domestic consumers in rural (DS-I) and urban (DS-II) categories using smart prepaid meters will get a 20% rebate on the base tariff of Rs.7.42 per unit during off-peak hours from 9am to 5pm, effectively reducing the rate to Rs.5.94 per unit. Conversely, a 10% premium will be levied during peak hours between 5pm and 11pm, raising the tariff to Rs.8.16 per unit, while consumption from 11pm to 9am will be billed at the normal rate of Rs.7.42 per unit. BERC member (technical) AK Sinha said consumers could optimise usage patterns to maximise savings. "A household can shift the use of appliances such as induction stoves, washing machines, motor pumps, irons and air conditioners to daytime hours to avail of the rebate. Cooking meals on induction stoves during the day can significantly cut both electricity and LPG expenses," he said. Sinha said the ToD tariff has been implemented in line with the Centre's Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2023, aimed at balancing demand and supply. Officials noted that Bihar typically remains power-surplus during the day - often selling excess electricity on exchanges - but faces shortages during evening peak hours. Differential pricing is therefore intended to incentivise load shifting to non-peak periods. The move comes against the backdrop of a tightening LPG supply situation linked to West Asia. The government has extended the minimum interval for rebooking a domestic LPG cylinder from 21 days to 25 days, prompting many households to explore alternatives such as electric cooking....