For the sixth year, no power rate hike for Delhi
Live MintDelhi has yet again been spared an increase in electricity rates by the regulator, sixth year in a row. The tariff levels for the year to March will remain unchanged primarily because the regulator didn’t consider any revenue increase for the distribution firms—BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd, BSES Yamuna Power Ltd, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited, and New Delhi Municipal Council on account of the coronavirus pandemic. While the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission increased the pension trust surcharge from the 3.80% to 5% for the erstwhile Delhi Vidyut Board employees, it waived off the 20% surcharge under time of day tariff for September 2020 to provide relief to consumers. At the moment, electricity rates as approved by DERC for domestic consumers start at ₹3 per unit for consumption of up to 200 units, going up to Rs4.50 per unit for 200-400 units, Rs6.50 per unit for 400-800 units, Rs7 per unit for 800-1200 units, and Rs8 per unit for consumption beyond 1200 units. Providing free power up to 200 units every month for households, a 50% subsidy on monthly power consumption of up to 400 units announced in 2015, and capping electricity tariff paid handsome dividends for AAP in the Delhi elections.