More than 14.64 lakh households paid a ‘zero charge for the electricity bills’ which were issued in September, under Delhi government’s starting month of free electricity scheme. This is seen as a epic turning point for the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Dekhi.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in August had announced free electricity scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Kirayedar Bijli Meter Yojna’, of up to 200 units for domestic consumers and later extended the electricity scheme to tenants living in the state.
According to the data provided by the power department, 28% of the total 52.27 lakh domestic consumers in the national capital paid zero rupees towards their electricity bills, for consuming power in the whole month of September.
Of the three private power distribution companies situated in the national capital, the highest number of beneficiaries were from localities in south and west Delhi.
Talking about the subsidy, CM Arvind Kejriwal added that the initiative is not only benefitting consumers in saving money but is also helping conserve electricity.
“The free-electricity scheme of Delhi is going to be an example of smart governance. Every family is now trying to consume less than 200 units, as 14 lakh families received a bill of zero. People are also getting benefits of free electricity and they will now start saving electricity,” Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi.
The ones who are consuming between 201 units and 400 units are eligible to avail of up to a 50% subsidy from the government on their bills.