Power tariffs slashed across all categories by up to 32%

NEW DELHI: In a relief to power consumers across all categories, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) reduced power tariff by up to 32 per cent, the Commission announced on Wednesday.

While power tariff per unit for domestic users in the city has been reduced, fixed charges per month has increased.

Addressing the media after the announcement, Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain said that the electricity bill of every domestic consumer in the Capital across different categories has come down.

As per the new tariff, applicable for 2018-19, power tariff for consumption between 401-800 units per month now stands at Rs 6.5 per unit. It was previously Rs 7.30 per unit.

Tariff for non-domestic, industry and other category consumers has also been reduced. Those consuming 200 units to 400 units of power per month will now be charged Rs 4.50 per unit.

"Everyone's bill has come down. For some people by Rs 100, for some by Rs 50," Jain said.

He further said that the fixed rate had to be raised as the Central government increased the fixed rates of electricity produced by power plants from which the Delhi government purchases power by 50 paise per unit.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was alongside Jain, said, "For the fourth year, electricity would not be costly in Delhi."

Boasting about its achievements over the past three years in the Capital, Sisodia said the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has showcased exemplary work in bringing cheap and efficient power supply to the city.

The Delhi government's data shows that in 2017-18, the city witnessed only 0.06 per cent load-shedding, almost six times lower than 0.40 per cent witnessed in 2014-15.

However, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta said in the Assembly that the rates have increased.

He accused the government of misleading the House. At this, Jain replied: "If your bills are increased by even one rupee, I'll give you the money."

Electricity prices for domestic power consumption of up to 200 units per month have been reduced by Re 1 per unit to Rs 3 per unit.

"Delhi is the only state in India which did not allow power tariff hike for three consecutive years and reduced tariff in the fourth year," a Delhi government spokesperson tweeted on Wednesday.