Electricity charges are one of the most common areas of confusion in Paying Guest (PG) accommodations. To ensure fairness and transparency, we have a structured billing policy that explains how charges are divided among tenants.

This guide explains the system step by step, with examples and FAQs for better clarity.

1. Per-Unit Calculation

The monthly electricity bill is divided by the number of units consumed to find the per-unit cost.

Example:

• Total Bill = ₹12,000
• Units Consumed = 600
• Per Unit Cost = ₹12,000 ÷ 600 = ₹20/unit

This per-unit rate is applied for all types of consumption.

FAQ:
Q: Why don’t you just divide the bill equally among tenants?
A: Because tenants in AC rooms consume more units than non-AC rooms, splitting equally would be unfair. That’s why we calculate per-unit charges.

2. Separate Billing for AC Usage

AC rooms consume more electricity. To keep things fair, AC consumption is measured separately.

Example:

• Total Units = 600
• AC Consumption = 300 units
• Common Consumption = 300 units
• AC Tenant pays = 300 × ₹20 = ₹6,000 (divided among AC users)
• Common Bill = ₹6,000 ÷ 10 tenants = ₹600 each

FAQ:
Q: If I don’t use AC, do I still pay for it?
A: No. Only AC users are billed for AC consumption. Non-AC tenants only pay for the common bill.

3. Tenants on Leave / Temporary Absence

Even if a tenant is away for a few days, electricity charges continue as long as tenancy is active.

Example:

• Common Bill = ₹6,000 ÷ 10 tenants = ₹600 each
• If Tenant A goes home for 7 days, their share remains ₹600.

FAQ:
Q: Why do I pay if I’m not using electricity?
A: Because PG is a shared accommodation. Minor leaves or absences are part of shared living, and it is not feasible to calculate based on daily absence.

4. AC Room Tenants on Leave

If a tenant from an AC room is away but their tenancy is active, they still pay both AC and common charges.

Example:

• AC Room Consumption = 200 units = ₹4,000
• If 2 tenants share the AC room, each pays = ₹2,000
• Even if one tenant goes on leave, the charge remains the same.

FAQ:
Q: But if I’m away, my AC isn’t running. Why should I pay?
A: The room is reserved for you. Since it is not possible to verify exact usage during leave, AC charges remain applicable.

5. Partially Vacant Sharing Rooms

If some beds are empty in a shared AC room, the tenants staying there bear the entire AC bill.

Example:

• AC Room Consumption = 180 units = ₹3,600
• Originally 3 beds (₹1,200 each)
• If 1 bed is vacant, the remaining 2 tenants pay ₹1,800 each.

FAQ:
Q: Will management pay for the vacant bed’s share?
A: No. Only active tenants in the room share the AC bill.

6. Mid-Month Joining or Leaving

Tenants who join or leave in the middle of a billing cycle are billed pro-rata (according to days stayed).

Example:

• Common Bill = ₹6,000
• 10 tenants normally pay = ₹600 each
• If Tenant B joins on the 15th day of a 30-day cycle, they pay half: ₹300

FAQ:
Q: I left on the 20th, will I still pay the full bill?
A: No. Your share will be calculated based on the days you stayed.

7. Transparency & Dispute Resolution

• Meter readings for both AC and common meters are recorded.
• A detailed breakup is shared with all tenants.
• Any disputes must be raised within 3 days of receiving the bill.

Example:

• Bill shared on 5th of the month
• Any correction requests must be submitted by 8th.

FAQ:
Q: Can I ask for unit meter photos?
A: Yes, unit readings are always shared for transparency.

Final Thoughts

This system ensures that:
✅ AC users pay fairly for their extra consumption
✅ Common usage is divided equally
✅ Tenants who join or leave mid-month are charged fairly
✅ No one is overburdened with extra costs

By keeping the system transparent, we maintain harmony in shared living spaces and avoid unnecessary disputes.

Quick FAQ Summary

• Do I pay if I go on leave? → Yes, if tenancy is active.
• Do I pay for someone else’s AC? → No, only AC users pay.
• If my roommate leaves, do I pay their AC share? → Yes, if you continue in the room.
• If I join mid-month? → You pay only for the days you stayed.
• Can I see bill details? → Yes, full breakup is always shared.