Govt. not to hike power tariff in Capital this year

The power crisis in the national capital Delhi has been a major issue and also a political agenda that turns the ruling Congress not to hike the tariff for this year keeping an eye on the upcoming assembly election. The government has also decided to allow subsidy for domestic electricity consumers from April 01.

Speaking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the Power Minister A K Walia said, "There will be no tariff hike this year. We first want the distribution companies (distcoms) to improve the services to the satisfaction of the people".

In the meeting it was also confirmed that the purposed subsidy for all domestic power consumers up to 200 units would come into effect from April 01. Earlier in 2007, the government had promised to offer some additional unit up to 200 units during peak winter and summer months.

This recent decision is going to benefit all residents in Delhi, as people now have to pay lesser price for per unit of electricity they consume. But the biggest worry is where to meet the additional power demand during the coming summer months (May to August) when the city is still running shortage with power.

Residents of North Delhi including Rohini, Pitampura and Mangolpuri have been continuously reeling with lesser power supply and frequent power cuts. As per the latest report the city is facing a shortage of over 500 MW of power daily.

Earlier this year, the apex court sought a clarification from the Delhi government regarding the ongoing power crisis and the set plan of action to take in hand the problem.

The state government in response had cited the purposed gas turbine station at Bawana and the Pragati Phase II plant, but said it could not be carried out as long as there was not sufficient gas supply. The Centre too had a plan of 23 more power projects for Delhi and surrounding states but that as well would take time in instigation.

So, though the power distribution has been transferred to private hands but no any development is noticed in consumers’ reaction. Delhi continues to swelter amid power crisis and it will be a wait and watch policy for Delhiites to get over from this crisis in near future.