Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) yesterday reduced electricity tariff by 32 per cent for all categories of power consumers in the city. However, fixed charges on new power connections witnessed a manifold increase.
The decision was taken during a review meeting on new tariff charges applicable for 2018-19.
As per the new tariff charges issued by DERC, power tariff up to 200 units has been slashed by Rs 1 against last year. In 2017-18, tariff charge for consumption up to 200 units per month was Rs 4. Similarly, power consumers using power between 200 to 400 units will now pay Rs 4.50 per month against Rs 5.95 compared to last year. For using power between 401 to 800 units, consumers have to pay Rs 6.70 per unit per month, against Rs 7.70 last year. Likewise, between 800 to 1,200 units, power tariff has been fixed Rs 7.10 against Rs 8.10 last year.
After the new power tariff charges were issued, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, “It was our commitment to not increase electricity bill, and we kept our word. In the last four years, electricity bill witnessed reduction. Around 80 domestic users are getting power at minimum charges in the city.”
He added, “It could be done due to audit of power companies operating in Delhi.”
However, fixed charges for fresh connections has been increased. For up to 2 KW, fixed charge has increased up to Rs 125 against Rs 25 last year. Similarly, for between 2KW to 5 KW, fixed charge has hiked up to Rs 140 against Rs 35 last year. For 5KW to 10 KW, one has to pay Rs 175, while earlier it was Rs 45.
For this hike in fixed charges, Delhi government blamed the BJP-led Central government. Sateynder Jain, Delhi power minister said, “There are two components of power purchasing — fixed charge and variable charge. For instance Delhi has an agreement for power purchasing from 7,000 MW to 8,000 MW. If Delhi government use only 3000 MW, the government has to pay fixed charges for the entire purchase. Variable charges, however, apply on power consumed.”
Jain further added that, “Fixed charges have increased because the Central government has increased by the rate all thermal power companies by 50 paisa per unit. This 50 paisa has made a huge difference, and therefore, the hike.”
