Chief Minister Thiru. Vijay's 1st Signature: 200 Units Free Electricity for All
In a historic move that has resonated across Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Thiru. Vijay has fulfilled a major campaign promise as his very first official signature after assuming office. This landmark announcement provides 200 units of free electricity every two months for domestic consumers, marking a new era in the state's energy policy for 2026.
This "First Signature Announcement" by CM Vijay is not just a policy change; it's a significant financial relief for millions of households. But to benefit fully from this scheme, consumers must understand the specific conditions and the 500-unit threshold that dictates the subsidy levels.
How Many Units Are Free in TNEB? (2026 Rules Explained)
Under the latest 2026 TANGEDCO policy, how many units are free in TNEB depends on your total 2-month bi-monthly consumption:
- Consumers using up to 500 units: You receive 200 units 100% free (₹0). For example, if your total bi-monthly consumption is 400 units, you only pay for 200 units (400 – 200 free units).
- Consumers crossing 500 units (501+ units): The subsidy adjusts to 100 free units. Units from 101 to 200 are charged at ₹2.35 per unit, and units between 201 to 400 are charged at ₹4.70.
Crucial Consumer Tip: The 500-unit mark is a sharp cliff edge. If your meter reads 500 units, your bill is deeply subsidized. If it reads 501 units, your free allowance drops from 200 to 100 units, resulting in a sudden jump of several hundred rupees. Check your meter a week before the billing date!
How to Calculate Your EB Reading from the Meter Manually
If you want to know how to calculate your EB reading manually before the meter reader arrives, follow this simple procedure:
- Locate the kWh Reading: Look at your digital or smart electronic meter box. Wait for the cyclical digital display to show the number with "kWh" (Kilowatt-hours). Disregard screens showing date, time, or voltage (V/kW). Note down the whole number (ignore decimals). This is your Current Reading.
- Find Your Previous Reading: Check your previous TNEB white card receipt or online SMS. Look for the number listed as Previous Reading.
- Calculate Total Units Consumed:
Total Units = Current Reading – Previous Reading
For example: If your previous reading was 3,450 kWh and today's reading is 3,820 kWh, your consumption is3,820 – 3,450 = 370 units. - Apply the 200 Units Free Rule: Since 370 is below 500 units, subtract 200 free units:
370 – 200 = 170 billable units.
What is Tariff 1A (T1) in TNEB Electricity Bills?
On your official EB payment receipt or SMS notification, you will see a code like T1 or LT-IA. This stands for Low Tension Tariff 1A, the official domestic category reserved for individual residential houses, shared apartment flats, and residential water pump sets.
Tariff 1A is heavily subsidized by the Tamil Nadu State Government. Commercial properties, shops, and offices are classified under Tariff 5 (LT-V), which has significantly higher rates and zero free units.
May 2026 Official Domestic Tariff Slabs (T1)
For consumption exceeding 500 units bi-monthly, the telescopic slab rates apply as follows:
- 0 - 100 Units: Free (₹0)
- 101 - 200 Units: ₹2.35 per unit
- 201 - 400 Units: ₹4.70 per unit
- 401 - 500 Units: ₹6.30 per unit
- 501 - 600 Units: ₹8.40 per unit
- Above 600 Units: Progressively up to ₹11.55 per unit.
Calculate Your Bill Accurately Online
Rather than calculating telescopic slabs by hand on a notepad, use our free TNEB Bill Calculator. You can enter your meter readings or total units, and our tool automatically calculates your exact bill, subsidy deductions, and slab-by-slab charges.
"Electricity is an essential household necessity. Understanding the math behind your TNEB reading is the most effective way to audit your charges and keep your family's bills low."
Audit your consumption today with the free Digibee TNEB Calculator.
