Sticker Shock for Delhi Residents: Power Tariff Hike on the Horizon

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Delhi Power Minister Ashish Sood hinted at a possible hike in power tariff, citing a massive Rs 27,000 crore debt left by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on power distribution companies (discoms). Sood stated that discoms have the right to increase rates to recover dues through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). He alleged that despite the Delhi High Court's direction to DERC to issue a tariff order, the previous government failed to protect public interests.

The current electricity subsidy formula, approved by the previous AAP government, provides free electricity to families consuming less than 200 units and a 50% subsidy to those using 201-400 units per month. Full rates are charged for consumption above this. In response to Sood's statement, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi counter-attacked, accusing the central government of failing to fulfill its pre-election promise of providing financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to women.