CM says Delhi's power rates lowest,BJP & AAP misleading people

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jul 28 2013 | 7:30 PM IST
With BJP announcing agitation against power tariff hike, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit today said Delhi has the "lowest" electricity rates compared to other cities in the country and accused the opposition of trying to mislead people on the issue for political gain.
"The power tariffs in Delhi are lowest in comparison to towns of the neighbouring states and other metro cities.
"Even the electricity charges here are lower than in states ruled by other parties," Dikshit said addressing a function.
The Chief Minister's comments came in the wake of BJP launching an agitation today against the power tariff hike while indicating that the party will make it a major issue in the run up to the assembly elections slated for November.
The party held candle march across the city including near Dikshit's residence demanding a roll back of the tariff hike.
The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) on Friday had hiked the tariff for domestic consumers by five per cent.
But with the regulator merging the fuel surcharge with the hiked component and Dikshit swiftly announcing a subsidy for those limiting their monthly consumption to 400 units, the tariff will in effect come down marginally for low-end consumers.
"Our government has always been sensitive to the issues related to the poor and middle class families. That is why we immediately decided to offer subsidy after the DERC announced the hike.
"We have neutralised and nullified the hike in respect of the poor and middle class families by granting enhanced subsidy and introducing fresh subsidy," Dikshit said.
The per unit rate in Delhi for consumption up to 200 units is currently is Rs 2.70 against Rs 4. 75 in Ghaziabad and Noida and Rs 4.90 in Gurgaon.
It is Rs 4.70 in Mumbai and Rs 6.40 in Kolkata, Dikshit said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jul 28 2013 | 7:30 PM IST

Next Story