September 15, 2022
NEW DELHI – Electricity consumers in Delhi will now get a subsidy on their bills on an opt-in basis from October 1.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the application process on Wednesday by releasing a number which consumers can reach out on to opt-in for the subsidy.
Explaining the rationale behind the move, Kejriwal said of the 58 lakh electricity consumers in Delhi, 47 lakh get subsidy out of which 30 lakh consumers get zero bill and 16-17 lakh bill get half bill.
“Some people questioned why they were being given subsidies when they could pay electricity bills; they demanded that they should be given the option of accepting or declining the subsidy. Under the old scheme, everyone will get the electricity subsidy until September 30th, but beginning October 1, only those who opt-in will get it,” he said.
The Delhi Chief Minister further detailed the application process saying, “A form will be sent out to electricity consumers along with their bills; once filled and submitted, their subsidy will continue even after October 1. You can obtain the form by dialling 7011311111 or by sending a ‘Hi’ message on WhatsApp, after which you can fill it out and ask for the subsidy.”
Everyone will be notified via SMS or email that they have been registered and that their subsidy will be continued, he said.
“Those who apply before October 31 will continue to receive the subsidy beginning October 1; after that they will get a subsidy starting the month in which they apply. Everyone will be required to opt-in for subsidies by filling out the form once a year, so that those who do not want subsidies can opt out,” the Delhi Chief Minister said.
“I am hoping that those who can pay their bills will do so and those who don’t require it will opt out of the subsidy,” Kejriwal said.