The Punjab Government’s recent announcement to reduce power tariffs ahead of the Assembly election has been overshadowed by a parallel move by Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) that has sparked concern among consumers. PSPCL, grappling with financial constraints, has revised the security deposit required for electricity connections, extending the burden beyond commercial users to domestic consumers as well.The move has led to a sudden spike in electricity bills, leaving many households confused and aggrieved. Highly placed sources in PSPCL revealed that the revised security charges are calculated based on advance consumption. For consumers with smart meters, the security is equivalent to one month’s average bill, while for those using conventional meters, it has been fixed at one and a half months’ advance payment.Previously, revisions in security deposits were largely limited to commercial connections, while domestic consumers had not seen any change since 2011. However, citing mounting financial pressure, PSPCL has now extended the revision to domestic users as well.The impact has been immediate. Consumers across Ropar and adjoining areas have reported inflated electricity bills, prompting many to visit PSPCL offices seeking clarification. Rakesh Sharma, a local resident, said he was taken aback by an additional charge of nearly Rs 5,000 in his latest bill. “When I approached PSPCL officials, I was told that the increase was due to revised security charges. If the corporation wanted to raise the security deposit, it should have issued a separate notice or bill. Adding it to the monthly bill has only created confusion and harassment for consumers,” he said.PSPCL officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, defended the move, stating that the revision is in line with provisions under the Electricity Act. “There is a provision to revise security deposits for all categories of consumers every three years. The security amount is calculated as one to one-and-a-half months of the average annual consumption. It is a refundable deposit and not a permanent charge,” an official clarified.The issue has quickly taken a political turn, with the opposition BJP accusing the state government of adopting a contradictory approach – offering tariff relief on one hand while increasing financial burden through indirect means. State BJP vice-president Subhash Sharma criticised the government, alleging mismanagement of PSPCL’s finances. “On one side, the government is projecting itself as pro-consumer by reducing electricity tariffs, but on the other, it is imposing an additional financial burden on households through enhanced security charges. The financial health of PSPCL has deteriorated due to poor management,” he said.