CM vows power grant till ’25 ‘despite hurdles’

CHIEF MINISTER Arvind Kerjiwal on Thursday said “despite several hurdles”, that the residents of Delhi will continue to get free electricity up to 200 units and 50 per cent subsidy for up to 400 units till 2025.

The Delhi government in 2022 implemented the opt-in scheme — under which, a resident had to apply for availing the free electricity subsidy scheme — that was supposed to be renewed every year, based on the financial cycle.

“I congratulate the people of Delhi. Your 24-hour (zero power cut) and free electricity has been extended till March 31, 2025. This also includes free electricity for the lawyers’ chambers,” Kerjiwal posted on X.

The announcement was made following a cabinet meeting conducted by Kerjiwal at his residence in Delhi on Thursday.

Accusing the BJP of trying to stop the scheme, Kerjiwal said: “Many people had doubts about the electricity subsidy — will it be available next year or not? Let me tell you that these (BJP) people tried their best to stop it. But, your son got this work done.”

Delhi has an honest government, Kerjiwal said, adding: “For your information, 24-hour and free electricity is available only in Delhi and Punjab. In the rest of the country, there are long power cuts, and electricity bills worth thousands of rupees.”

Following the cabinet meeting, Delhi Power Minister Atishi, too, accused the Opposition of making efforts to make the scheme stop in 2023. “For the past month, there have been consistent efforts to nix the zero bill policy. They called officers and threatened them... to stop the scheme. But once Arvind Kejriwal makes a promise, he will make sure it is fulfilled. It does not matter who he has to request or beg to,” she added.

Atishi further said that the

AAP government “guarantees” to give 24X7 free power to the residents of the national capital.

Around 22 lakh families get zero power bill, and 40.22 lakh domestic electricity consumers avail the benefits of electricity subsidy in Delhi. “The Delhi cabinet has decided that the subsidy scheme will continue for another year. The policy, which grants free power of up to 200 units and a 50-per cent subsidy on the consumption of 400 units, will continue. At present, the policy expenditure is around Rs 3,500 crore, but the final cost depends on the usage,” said Atishi.

For 2024-25, Rs 3,353 crore was proposed for the power sector in this year’s budget.

Praveen Khanna CM Arvind Kejriwal and Power Minister Atishi during budget presentation in Vidhan Sabha earlier this week.