End of Delhi power subsidy sparks fresh AAP-LG tussle

New Delhi, April 14: Today marks the end of the power subsidy for nearly 46 lakh people in Delhi, as the Lieutenant Governor has yet to clear the file to extend the subsidy to consumers. 

This has caused a new round of blame-game between the Aam Aadmi Party and the LG, as the two have frequently clashed on the division of power.

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Atishi, the Delhi Power Minister, said in a press conference that the subsidy will cease from today and starting Monday, people will receive inflated bills without the subsidy. She said that the AAP government had taken the decision to continue the subsidy for the coming year, but that the file was with the LG and had not been returned yet. She also noted that she had requested a five-minute appointment with Mr. Saxena to discuss the power subsidy, but had not received a response in over 24 hours.

The AAP government in Delhi offers free electricity to consumers with a monthly consumption of up to 200 units, with a 50 per cent subsidy capped at ₹ 850 for those consuming between 201 and 400 units. Last year, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the power subsidy would only be provided to those who apply for it. According to official figures, more than 48 lakh out of the 58 lakh domestic consumers have applied for the power subsidies.

The AAP government has allocated ₹ 3,250 crore for the power subsidy in its budget for 2023-24.

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