Energy Department has provided 86 lakh permanent pump connections to eligible farmers so far under Farmers Subsidy Scheme launched by the State Government from April 1, 2011. A sum of `215 crore has been provisioned for subsidy in budget this year.
In the State, flat rate scheme has been introduced for unmetered permanent agriculture pumps.
Under the scheme, farmers have been given facility to pay only `1200 per horse power against power tariff prescribed by Electricity Regulatory Commission in 2 six-monthly installments.
Power is being supplied free of cost for pumps upto 5 horsepower to SC and ST farmers possessing upto one hectare land. The State Government has given `4480 crore as tariff subsidy to power distribution companies last year. This year, `4962 crore has been provisioned in the budget.
Meanwhile, the Energy Department has improved the process prescribed to give new domestic electricity connections in the state. Now, condition of obtaining charging permission before giving upto 33 KV power connections has been abolished.
Now, consumer of new connection will not have to visit office of electricity inspector and connections will be given on the basis on test results and self-certificate.
The consumer should present a duly signed report from a licence holder electricity contractor and a self-certificate generated with the assistance a chartered electricity safety engineer as per rules.
The company will give upto 33 KV connection on the basis of these documents without getting inspection by electricity inspector.
Now, inspection will be undertaken for only connections of over 33 KV. The company will be bound to give permission within 24 hours at State, division and sub-division level and 72 hours outside headquarters.