The Kejriwal Government will give people the option to choose if they want power subsidy. From October 1, subsidies in electricity will be provided only to those who ask for it.
After a meeting of the Delhi Cabinet, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said, “Now cheap electricity will be optional in Delhi. From October 1, the Delhi Government will provide electricity subsidies to only those who ask for it. We will give options to people whether or not they need an electricity subsidy.”
The new rule, the CM said, will be implemented from October 1. The process of asking and giving the people a choice to opt for subsidised or non-subsidised electricity will begin very soon, Kejriwal said.
The CM said several citizens suggested to him that the power subsidy provided to financially stable families could be used on upgrading schools and hospitals in the city. The consumers in Delhi at present get “zero” power bill up to 200 units of electricity and a subsidy of Rs 800 on consuming 201 to 400 units of power per month.
The Delhi Government has allocated Rs 3,250 crore for payment of subsidy under the scheme in 2022-23. In 2020-21, the Government had set aside Rs 3,090 as subsidy under the scheme.
“Over the years, the Government has received many suggestions through letters as well as in-person interactions with us, acknowledging their privilege and the fact that some financially stable citizens and families do not have a need for these subsidies,” he added.
The Cabinet meeting has approved the proposal of the power department to continue the electricity subsidy scheme in the fiscal year 2022-23. Continuation of this scheme is expected to benefit 47,11,176 families.
There are 58,18,231 electricity consumer connections in the Capital. Domestic consumers who use up to 200 units a month, numbering 30,39,766, are given 100 per cent subsidy. There are 16,59,976 consumers whose monthly consumption is 201-400 units and who are given up to Rs 800 in subsidy. Other consumers availing benefit of subsidy scheme include 758 families under anti-Sikh riot victims category who get 100 per cent subsidy up to monthly consumption of 400 units. There are 10,676 farmers who get a subsidy of Rs 105 per KW per month on fixed charges.
A total of 4,899 lawyers whose chambers are in court premises get subsidies akin to domestic consumers.
Delhi is also facing a low coal stock, leading the State Government to sound an alarm over supplying power to the national Capital. Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain has recently written to Union Power minister RK Singh with details of low coal stock at several thermal plants supplying power to the capital, and urged the Centre to ensure adequate availability of coal for uninterrupted electricity supply in Delhi.
The Kejriwal Government had in August 2019 announced the free electricity scheme for consumers utilising up to 200 units per month and 50 per cent subsidy to those consuming up to 400 units.