With just six days left to opt in for the power subsidy, more than 24 lakh (over 43 per cent) of eligible consumers are yet to inform Delhi government if they would like to continue with getting the benefits of the scheme.
The power department will stop giving subsidy on frugal consumption of electricity — 100 per cent waiver if monthly consumption is up to 200 units and 50 per cent rebate on 400 units — unless the consumer expresses his willingness for the same, either by applying through online methods or filling up and submitting a form, which has been attached with physical copies of the electricity bills.
According to power department sources, by October 24, a little over 32 lakh of almost 58 lakh eligible domestic consumers opted in for the subsidy. Though chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced in May that Delhiites would have to make a choice if they wanted the subsidy, the scheme was rolled out only on September 14. The government has given consumers till October 31 to inform it with their choice.
Those who fail to do it by this date, the government will assume they have given up the subsidy and will not be eligible for a waiver or discount for October. All applications received in November will make those consumers eligible for subsidy from November that month.
According to officials, in July, when the weather is hot and humid and air-conditioners run almost non-stop, the number of consumers using up to 400 units of electricity is the lowest. In July 2021, 34.1 lakh customers were eligible for full or partial subsidy.
In December 2021 and March 2022, the maximum number of domestic consumers, 54.9 and 54.8 lakh respectively, were given subsidy as power consumption was the lowest due to cooler temperature.
“If the data of last year’s beneficiaries is any indication, the number of consumers who have opted for subsidy so far is less than those eligible for the waiver in July last year. The difference is almost two lakh. This means, at least two lakh consumers who should ideally be covered under the subsidy scheme as they come from poorer strata are yet to opt in for it,” said an official.
Last month, Delhi government launched a mobile number to help people opt in for the subsidy scheme by either giving a missed call or sending a “Hi” message on WhatsApp. The form on the phone is very simple to fill.
