Electricity prices in Delhi may increase soon as the city faces a massive debt of Rs 27,000 crore, according to Power Minister Ashish Sood. He blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for leaving behind this financial burden, which has accumulated through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). The debt is linked to the dues owed to power distribution companies (discoms), reported Jagran.com.
For the past two years, electricity tariffs in Delhi have remained unchanged. With the recent appointment of a new DERC chairman, the revised rates are likely to be announced by next month. The commission has already started the process and will hold public hearings on Thursday and Friday to gather feedback from citizens.
How Can Residents Share Their Opinions?
Power distribution companies have submitted their financial records for the previous fiscal year to DERC. To ensure transparency, the commission has uploaded these records on its official website for public access.
Residents can share their opinions either by attending the public hearing in person or by submitting their feedback online. The public hearing is scheduled to take place at the DERC office on Thursday.
Demand to Reduce Surcharge Fees
While power companies are urging for a tariff increase, representatives from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and business groups are pushing back. They are demanding a reduction in surcharges and other fees that directly impact consumers. DERC will review these suggestions before finalizing the new electricity tariff.
AAP Government Blamed for Rs 27,000 Crore Debt
Power Minister Ashish Sood criticized the former AAP government, accusing it of poor financial management during its decade-long rule. He claimed their inefficiency has resulted in a regulatory asset burden of Rs 27,000 crore on Delhi’s electricity consumers.
According to Sood, this debt allows power companies to recover their dues directly from consumers, adding financial pressure on households. He further accused AAP legislators of raising questions about electricity tariffs to distract from their own failures.
Delhi Government Promises to Keep Prices Under Control
Despite the looming debt, Sood assured consumers that the BJP-led Delhi government will not allow electricity prices to rise significantly. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, our government is committed to keeping electricity prices stable and ensuring no additional burden falls on consumers," he said.
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Electricity Rates Have Increased Under AAP Rule
Highlighting the rise in electricity prices under the AAP government, Sood pointed out that in 2014-15, when AAP first came to power, the rate for 200 units was Rs 4.47 per unit. This has increased to Rs 4.59 per unit by 2024. For consumption between 801 and 1,200 units, the rate jumped from Rs 8.03 to Rs 10.71 per unit.
The upcoming tariff revision will determine whether Delhi residents will face further price hikes, as the government aims to balance financial responsibility with public welfare.