Punjab lifts condition of 1 kW load for free power units; BPL families to benefit in general category

Mohali, July 12: The Punjab Government has lifted the condition of one kW load to get the benefit of free power units, a decision which will benefit SC/BC/BPL consumers. Now, Punjab residents with load of more than one kW will also get free power units.

At the same time, the outstanding bills of SC/BC/BPL consumers till December 31, 2021 will also be waived. The Punjab Government has send the Cabinet agenda to Powercom.

On the other hand, only Below Poverty Line (BPL) families of general category will get 600 units of power free of cost and they would have to pay the entire bill if additional units are consumed. However, SC, BC and freedom fighter families will get 600 units of electricity free on every bill. In this regard, the government has sent a letter to the Principal Secretary, Electricity Department.

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In the run-up to the Punjab Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to provide 300 units of free electricity to every household every month if voted to power.  As promised, the AAP-led Punjab Government implemented the scheme from July 1. However, some amendments were made to the scheme. Since the bill is generated after every two months, 600 units will be free in every bill.

Earlier, the Punjab Government had said that 600 units of electricity would be free for every category of 1 kW connection in Punjab. If the bill comes more than this, then consumers will have to pay the bill for the additional unit only. If the connection is more than one kW and more than 600 units are consumed, residents will have to pay the full bill. All types of categories were included in this.

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Now, after removing the conditions, Scheduled Caste (SC), Backward Category (BC) and freedom fighters will be benefitted. Irrespective of load, they will get 600 units of electricity free of cost, but will have to pay the bill for additional unit.

-PTC News