Power Tariff Hike Hits EV Charging Stations in Tamil Nadu
Electric vehicle (EV) charging operators across Tamil Nadu are facing increased operational costs following a steep power tariff revision by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), effective from July 1. The revised structure raises energy and fixed monthly charges, impacting the viability of public charging stations.
The time-of-day (ToD) tariff model remains, but electricity rates have increased across all slots. Solar hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) now cost ₹6.50/kWh, peak hours (6 a.m.–9 a.m. and 6 p.m.–10 p.m.) are ₹9.75/kWh (up from ₹9.45), and night charging (10 p.m.–6 a.m.) is ₹8.10/kWh (previously ₹7.85).
The bigger concern is the sharp hike in fixed charges for high-tension (HT) connections, commonly used by fast-charging stations. Monthly charges have more than doubled—from ₹145 to ₹304 per kVA. For instance, a 50 kW charger’s fixed cost has jumped from ₹1,300 to ₹2,750.
