AAP might take time to slash power tariff

Cut in power rates - the one promise that AAP's common supporters expect it to deliver at the earliest - might not happen soon as the new government would first examine the account books of the power discoms before announcing subsidy.

In its last stint lasting 49 days, the AAP government had halved the power tariff within three days of coming to power by giving subsidy.

A source in the party, who was part of AAP's 49-day government, told IANS that the "new government would slash power rates only after the Comptroller and Auditor General's audit report on power companies is out".

The previous AAP government had announced a 50 percent subsidy for those consuming up to 400 units per month. The subsidy ended March 31.

The power rates were hiked in July 2014 last. Presently, there are five slabs for power rates. For up to 200 units, the actual price is Rs.4 per unit while there is subsidy of Rs.1.20 per unit.

From 201 up to 400 units, the tariff is Rs.5.95. In this slab too, there is a subsidy of 80 paise.

From 401 to 800 power units, per unit cost is Rs.7.30.

The cost per unit for consumption between 801 and 1,200 units is Rs.8.10. Beyond 1,200 units of consumption, the tariff is Rs.8.75 per unit.

During its previous tenure, AAP had ordered an audit of account books of the power distribution companies.

The discoms had approached the Delhi High Court, opposing the move. However, the court directed the discoms to cooperate with the CAG. The case is pending in the court.

Reduction in power rates, like the 2013 assembly polls, was a big ticket promise by the AAP in the recent elections also.

Power tariff is determined by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission and the city government has no say in it. It can only afford subsidy.

(Gaurav Sharma can be contacted at gaurav. s@ians.in)