1 Unit Electricity Cost in West Bengal (WBSEDCL & CESC Tariffs)
If you live in West Bengal, your electricity provider depends on your exact location. The vast majority of the state is powered by WBSEDCL (West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited), while Kolkata and its immediate suburbs are powered by the private utility CESC.
Let's break down the exact cost of 1 unit (1 kWh) of electricity under the latest 2026 tariff slabs so you can calculate your monthly bill accurately.
The Quick Answer
Under WBSEDCL (Rural/Urban Bengal), domestic electricity costs between ₹5.30 to ₹8.99 per unit depending on how much you consume. Under CESC (Kolkata), it is slightly more expensive, ranging from ₹5.50 to ₹9.50+ per unit.
First confirm your provider
Many people search for "West Bengal unit rate" and then apply the wrong company tariff. If your bill says WBSEDCL, use the WBSEDCL slabs. If it says CESC, the bill structure and final rate can be different even for the same number of units.
Also check whether your bill is monthly or bi-monthly. A two-month bill needs to be divided by the billing period before comparing it with examples on this page.
WBSEDCL Domestic Tariff Slabs (2026)
West Bengal uses a telescopic slab structure. This means the first few units you use are cheap, but the rate increases drastically if you consume a lot of electricity.
| Monthly Consumption Slab | Energy Charge (₹ / Unit) |
|---|---|
| 0 to 25 Units (Lifeline) | ₹ 5.30 |
| 26 to 60 Units | ₹ 5.97 |
| 61 to 100 Units | ₹ 6.97 |
| 101 to 300 Units | ₹ 7.31 |
| Above 300 Units | ₹ 8.99 |
Beware the MVCA Surcharge
The rates above are the "Energy Charges." In West Bengal, you will also see an MVCA (Monthly Variable Cost Adjustment) charge on your bill. This fluctuates every month based on the cost of coal, usually adding about 20 to 30 paise per unit.
How to Calculate Your WBSEDCL Bill
Let's assume your household consumes 150 units in a month.
- First 25 units: 25 × ₹5.30 = ₹132.50
- Next 35 units (26-60): 35 × ₹5.97 = ₹208.95
- Next 40 units (61-100): 40 × ₹6.97 = ₹278.80
- Final 50 units (101-150): 50 × ₹7.31 = ₹365.50
- Total Energy Charge: ₹132.50 + ₹208.95 + ₹278.80 + ₹365.50 = ₹985.75
To this, the system will add the Fixed Charge (approx ₹15/kVA), MVCA, and Electricity Duty to give you your final payable bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of 1 unit of electricity in West Bengal?
For domestic consumers under WBSEDCL in 2026, the cost of 1 unit ranges from ₹5.30 to ₹8.99 depending on your monthly consumption slab. The lifeline slab (up to 25 units) is heavily subsidized.
Does West Bengal have a fixed electricity charge?
Yes. WBSEDCL applies a monthly fixed charge based on your sanctioned load. For a typical domestic connection, it is around ₹15 per kVA per month.
Is electricity cheaper in Kolkata?
Kolkata city is primarily serviced by CESC, not WBSEDCL. CESC tariffs are generally higher, ranging from ₹5.50 for lifeline users up to ₹9.50+ for high consumption above 300 units.
