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New power tariff pinches consumers

Last Updated 04 July 2012, 21:16 IST

The recent hike in power tariff, the fourth by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission in the last 10 months, is forcing residents of the Capital to keep their electrical appliances switched off.

“The hike has affected the middle class. In this hot weather, we are switching off air-conditioners to minimise power use,” said Geeta Parmar, a resident of Mehrauli in south Delhi. The tariff hike came into effect last Sunday. Domestic consumers will be charged Rs 3.70 per unit for the first 200 units, instead of Rs 3.

For the next 200 units, consumers in the Capital will have to pay Rs 4.80 per unit. For consumption above 400 units, Rs 6.40 per unit will be charged instead of the earlier Rs 5.70.

“It is the middle class and the poor who have been hit hard by the steep hike. On an average, every household consumes 500 to 600 units per month in summer as they run air-conditioners and desert coolers,” said former municipal councillor Ved Prakash Gupta.

On Monday, the Sheila Dikshit-led government had provided a subsidy on consumption up to 200 units. “Under this bracket, instead of paying Rs 3.70, consumers will pay Rs 2.70 per unit. The subsidy is not applicable to those whose consumption exceeds 200 units,” chief minister Sheila Dikshit had said.

She had also justified the hike, saying electricity charges in neighbouring cities such as Noida, Gurgaon and Ghaziabad are much higher than in Delhi.

Residents’ welfare associations, which have been protesting even against the previous rounds of hike, have demanded a rollback of the latest increase.

“Dikshit must listen to our demands. We will hold a mass protest to demand a rollback. She seems to be unaware of problems people face,” said Anil Bajpai, president of East Delhi RWA Federation.

“Consumers are fleeced in some way or the other by the government. Our monthly expenses are getting higher and higher, but the government seems to be insensitive,” said Anita Jha, a nurse in a government hospital.

“The government should work for the welfare of people, but it is working in a completely opposite manner. We were assured of round-the-clock power supply,” said Rajiv Kakria, member of Greater Kailash RWA.

“Transformers have not been replaced for years. Dikshit has also become insensitive and just cares for her vote bank,” added Kakria.

State president of Bharatiya Janata Party Vijender Gupta said, “This power hike is anti-people and is totally unjustified. We are demanding a rollback.” The state BJP has planned a conference with RWA representatives on August 4.
“Dikshit’s statements and reasons for the power hike are vague,” Gupta said.

Long power cuts  continue

Several parts of the Capital had to go without electricity after the Badri plant failed to supply power on Wednesday, reports PTI. Residents, already reeling under hot and humid conditions, had a hard time. Power department officials on Wednesday also confirmed that they did not get electricity from Badri plant, which provides 500 MW to the Capital, resulting in the shutdown.

With monsoon playing truant, the demand for power has touched 5,305 MW. However, it was less than Tuesday’s demand of 5,350 MW. Delhi saw a record 5,454 MW demand on Monday. Power cuts were reported even from VVIP areas in central Delhi and other areas.

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(Published 04 July 2012, 21:16 IST)

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