Delhi electricity rates to rise due to ₹27,000 crore debt under AAP government: Ashish Sood

Delhi Power Minister hints at electricity price hike due to previous government's debt; BJP government prepares for budget session.

Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood on Monday (March 24, 2025) indicated a potential rise in electricity prices, attributing it to a ₹27,000 crore debt left by the previous AAP government with power distribution companies (Discoms) through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).

Responding to a question by AAP MLA Imran Hussain in the Delhi Assembly on the expected increase in electricity tariffs, Mr. Sood stated that Discoms are authorised to hike rates to recover the outstanding amount.

He noted that during the previous government’s tenure, the Delhi High Court had directed DERC to issue a tariff order, but the administration failed to safeguard public interests.

“The previous government has left a debt of ₹27,000 crores of regulatory assets with the discoms through DERC. To recover this, the companies are authorised to increase the electricity rates. During the tenure of the previous government, on the orders of the High Court, DERC was ordered to bring tariff orders,” he said.

“That government could not protect the interests of the public. In the coming time, electricity prices will rise, and perhaps some people even want this for their political gains. However, the government remains in touch with DERC and is closely monitoring the situation,” Mr. Sood added.

Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Monday (March 24, 2025) criticised the BJP-led central government, alleging that the promised ₹2,500 financial assistance for women had not been delivered and expressed hope that the ruling party would fulfil its commitments during the Budget Session on Monday (March 24, 2025).

Speaking to ANI, the Leader of the Opposition said, “The BJP made a lot of promises before the elections. We hope that those promises are fulfilled in this budget session. The first and most important promise was that Delhi’s women would receive ₹2,500 on March 8. Till today, even the registration of that scheme has not started. It is clear that PM Modi lied and betrayed the people of Delhi.”