Delhi gets summer relief as power tariffs slashed

New Delhi: In a move that has come as a major relief to Delhiites, Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has reduced power tariffs for consumers across all categories in the state by up to 32 per cent. 

The commission has reduced electricity prices by Rs 1 per unit — from Rs 4 to Rs 3 per unit for domestic power consumption of up to 200 units per month. Those consuming 200-400 units of electricity per month will now pay Rs 1.45 per unit lesser as the DERC has reduced the tariff from Rs 5.95 per unit to Rs 4.50 per unit. Electricity consumption between 401-800 units per month will now be charged Rs 6.5 per unit compared to the previous tariff of Rs 7.30 per unit. Power tariffs for consumers of non-domestic, industry and other categories have also been reduced. However, fixed charges have been substantially raised across all categories. For the consumers in the range of Rs 125/kw per month, it has been increased to Rs 250/kw per month.

Delhi is the first to slash electricity tariffs among those states that revised power prices for 2018-19 in the past three months.

Speaking to reporters after the announcement, power minister Satyendar Jain said that total electricity bills of every domestic consumer in Delhi across different categories will come down.

“The electricity bills have come down — for some people by Rs 100 and for some by Rs 50,” he said, adding that the fixed rate had to be raised as the Centre increased the fixed rates of electricity produced by power plants from which the Delhi government purchases power, by 50 paise per unit.

Hailing the revised power tariff, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said, “For the fourth year, electricity would not be costly in Delhi.” In the past five years, this is the first electricity tariff revision in the city. The downward trend comes at a time when Delhi is expected to touch a record demand of 7,000MW during summer months this year, he added. 

Meanwhile, leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Vijender Gupta accused the government of misleading the House on the revised power tariff issue. 

Congress leader Ajay Maken also said that the government has levied additional burden of Rs 1,510 crore on the consumers by way of tariff and surcharge and “massive increase in fixed charges”.