Delhi govt slashes power tariff by half, launches free water scheme

The decisions will benefit around 90% of the city's population, deputy CM Sisodia said

The Delhi government today announced reduction in power tariff by 50% for consumption up to 400 units per month and launched a free water scheme in line with election promises made by Aam Aadmi Party.

For families using 20,000 litres of water per month, Delhi government will waive off water and sewer charges, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said.

The rates will come into effect from March 1, Sisodia announced  here after a cabinet meeting.

"The reduction in power tariff will benefit 36,06,428 families, which is around 90% of the city's population," Sisodia said, adding that those consuming over 400 units would have to pay the full bill.

Sisodia also said that around 18 lakh families will be able to reap the benefits of free water and informed that the Delhi Jal Board has been directed to speed up the process of setting up infrastructure to provide water to colonies which do not have pipelines.

In its manifesto, AAP had promised to cut power tariff by 50% immediately after coming to power and said the rates will be revised based on the findings of an CAG audit which the Kejriwal government had announced during its first stint.

The AAP had also promised 20 kilolitres (20,000 litres) of free water to every household per month. The previous AAP government had introduced the free water scheme but it was discontinued after it quit.