Power subsidy in Delhi on opt-in basis from next month

CM says decision based on public demand; BJP asks voters in H.P., Gujarat to take note

Delhiites will get subsidy on domestic power bills only on an opt-in basis from October 1, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced here on Wednesday. The subsidy will be in place till September 30 but, beginning October 1, only those domestic consumers who opt for it will continue to benefit.

The decision, Mr. Kejriwal said, was based on public demand that consumers get the option of accepting or declining the power subsidy towards which an estimated ₹3,000 crore is spent by the Delhi government annually.

A flagship scheme of the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Delhi government since its ascent to power in the city, free/subsidised electricity is one of the main promises which Mr. Kejriwal, also AAP’s national convener, has been making in several States going to the polls for the last eight years. It is also at the core of the freebie or “rewdi culture” political debate triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Even as Mr. Kejriwal sought to clarify that the government was merely making the power subsidy extended by it optional and had not retracted it, the opposition BJP accused him of making a U-turn on the issue after having exhausted the city’s finances.

“Out of 58 lakh electricity consumers in Delhi, 47 lakh get subsidy, of whom 30 lakh consumers get zero bill and 16-17 lakh get half bill. Some people questioned why they were being given subsidies when they could pay electricity bills; they demanded that they should be given the option of accepting or declining the subsidy,” Mr. Kejriwal said at a press conference.

“A form will be sent out to electricity consumers along with their bills; once filled and submitted, their subsidy will continue even after October 1. Everyone will be required to opt in for subsidies by filling out the form once a year, so that those who do not want subsidies can opt out,” he said.

Consumers can also obtain the required form by dialling 7011311111 or by sending a ‘Hi’ message on this number on WhatsApp after which they can fill it out and ask for subsidy. They will then be notified via SMS or email that they have been registered and that their subsidy will continue. Those who apply before October 31 will continue to receive the subsidy beginning October 1 after which they will get subsidy starting the month in which they apply.