DG charges in society: what they are & what you'll pay
DG charges are what your society bills for diesel-generator backup during power cuts — typically ₹15–₹25 per unit, about 3–4× the grid rate. They're set by the society, not UPPCL or NPCL, so they vary a lot from one tower to the next. Estimate yours below.
That's about ₹1,215 more than the same units would cost on grid power (~₹6.5/unit).
How DG charges are billed
- Per unit consumed: your meter logs DG units separately; each is billed at the society's DG rate (₹15–25).
- Fixed backup fee: a monthly charge per kW of backup load you subscribe to, paid even if the generator never runs. Sometimes bundled into maintenance.
- Both: some societies charge a small fixed fee plus per-unit DG consumption.
- Backup cap: DG backup is usually limited to 1–3 kW per flat — heavy appliances trip it or aren't covered.
Why DG is so much more expensive than grid power
A diesel generator burns roughly a litre of diesel for every 3–4 units it produces, before maintenance, operator salaries and the agency's margin. That's why a DG unit costs 3–4× a grid unit — and why DG can quietly become a big part of your bill in summer, when outages are longest.
Ask these before you rent
- What's the DG rate per unit, and when was it last revised?
- Is there a fixed backup charge? How many kW of backup does the flat get?
- How many hours of cuts are typical in May–July? Ask a neighbour, not the broker.
- Does the rent agreement say who pays the fixed DG/backup fee?
Frequently asked questions
What are DG charges?
DG (diesel generator) charges are what your society bills for backup power when the grid is down. The society's DG set runs, your meter records those units separately, and they are billed at the society's DG rate — not the utility tariff.
What is the DG charge per unit in Noida societies?
Typically ₹15–₹25 per unit — roughly 3–4× the ₹5.50–₹7.00 grid rate — because diesel, maintenance and operator costs are high. The rate is set by the society or its maintenance agency and usually revised when diesel prices change.
Why do I pay DG charges even when there is no power cut?
Some societies charge a fixed monthly DG or backup fee per kW of backup load you subscribe to, whether or not the generator runs. Others bill only the DG units you actually consume. Ask which model your society uses before signing a lease.
Does the tenant or the owner pay DG charges?
Usually the tenant, since DG units are consumption — they come off the same prepaid meter balance or monthly bill as grid power. Fixed backup fees are often bundled into maintenance; the rent agreement should say who pays them.
How can I reduce DG charges?
Keep heavy loads (AC, geyser, iron, washing machine) off during cuts — many societies' DG backup is capped at 1–3 kW anyway. If your backup subscription is higher than you need, ask the society to lower it.
Want your full bill, grid plus DG? Use the electricity bill calculator. Current grid tariff slabs are in the electricity rate guide. Wondering if your rent is fair too? Check your rent.
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