NEW DELHI: Every second consumer in Delhi who has been receiving subsidy on frugal electricity bills has opted for the Delhi government’s voluntary subsidy scheme in the last two-and-a-half weeks.
There are over 58 lakh electricity consumers in Delhi and, out of these, more than 47 lakh avail of the benefit of the government’s subsidy scheme — either in full for consuming up to 200 units or 50% for using up to 400 units. With a total of 25,85,191 consumers opting to continue receiving the subsidy, around 55% of such consumers have already registered their choice, mostly using digital means.
Out of the more 25.8 lakh consumers, more than 12 lakh consumers that have opted for the subsidy are from areas where electricity is distributed by BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, more than 7.5 lakh from areas under Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, more than 6.2 lakh consumers from the areas of BSES Yamuna Power Limited, and 7,945 from locations under the jurisdiction of New Delhi Municipal Council.
On Wednesday, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that starting October 1, only those eligible consumers who ‘opt in’ will get a discount or waiver in their electricity bills and, for which, they would have to register themselves with the respective power distribution company.
Apart from domestic connections using up to 400 units a month, agricultural consumers, 1984 Sikh riot victims and lawyers’ chambers on the premises of the court complexes also avail of the subsidies. While 30 lakh get zero bill, 17 lakh pay only 50% of the bill amount. The Aam Aadmi Party government spent Rs 3,090 crore on power subsidy in 2021-22 and has set aside Rs 3,250 crore for the financial year of 2022-23.
Apart from ‘opting in’ for the voluntary subsidy scheme through online modes like WhatsApp and Missed Call Service, consumers can also scan the QR code provided on the subsidy form attached with their latest bill, apart from using a SMS link that they would receive on their registered mobile number.
Discoms had earlier said that they are increasing awareness among consumers via digital and offline methods, including SMS, website, e-mailers and social media platforms.
Source: PTI
