Electricity bills in Delhi are likely to rise following a decision by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) to reject a plea from the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to delay the recovery of approximately ₹30,000 crore in pending dues. This decision is significant as it follows a 2025 Supreme Court directive requiring all states to clear such dues between 2024 and 2028. The tribunal's ruling means that the recovery of these dues will adhere to the existing timeline, potentially leading to higher electricity tariffs or additional charges on consumer bills. The larger context involves regulatory assets exceeding ₹38,000 crore due to a nearly decade-long freeze on tariff increases, despite rising costs. Experts suggest that the recovery process may occur over several years, possibly through a surcharge on electricity bills, putting upward pressure on consumers' monthly expenses.