Delhi residents can get power subsidy only if they apply for free electricity scheme: Kejriwal

With this move, the option to get Delhi government’s power subsidy will no longer be available by default and every year, power consumers will be given an option to continue with power subsidy or not

Delhiites can avail the free electricity scheme from October only if they opt for it, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on September 14.

At a press conference in Delhi, he said people can now give a missed call or send a WhatsApp message on 7011311111 from September 14 to avail the free electricity scheme.

With this move, the option to get Delhi government’s power subsidy will no longer be available by default and every year, power consumers will be given an option to continue with power subsidy or not.

At present, those whose power consumption is less than 200 units do not have to pay any electricity charges. Those whose consumption is up to 400 units get a 50% subsidy. In his first offline press conference since formation of AAP government in Delhi in February 2020 after which COVID-19 pandemic forced online briefings, Mr. Kejriwal said many residents were willing to pay their electricity bills in full and wanted an option to give up the power subsidy.

The chief minister, however, clarified that the free electricity scheme will continue for those who demand and apply for it.

He said both physical and electronic methods will be available for people to apply for subsidy.

The government had decided a few months earlier that subsidy will be given to those only who will demand and apply for it.