MillenniumPost
Delhi

Delhi govt won’t allow any power tariff hike this year, says Jain

Jain said several states had increased electricity tariff by up to 20-30 per cent last year but in Delhi, no power hike was allowed in 2015.

The government’s stand came amid the demand for tariff hike by all three power distribution companies, citing rise in their expenses.

“Like last year, we will also not allow hike in electricity tariff this year,” the power minister said while addressing representatives of Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) at a one-day training workshop on energy conservation at Delhi Secretariat. 

In case of unscheduled outages, Jain said during an interview, that the issue will be taken up on a priority basis. 

He said: “The regulation is pending with the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). Important decisions were kept on standby in the DERC as key positions were lying vacant. Now that there is a chairman, we hope it will pass the regulation by the time summer sets in.” 

He also added that the power department would keep a tab on unscheduled power cuts by the discoms. The power ministry has also directed the discoms to strengthen their customer care centres for efficient and quick grievance redressals. 

In 2015, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) was not allowed to hike power rates in the city following a huge victory for the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP, which had been fighting against increased tariffs in the national Capital.

The Delhi government gives a subsidy of around Rs 1,500 crore every year on power consumption due to which the electricity bills are slashed by half. 
Next Story
Share it