Umair Gaines
In 2019, the Kejriwal government introduced a scheme in Delhi that provided 200 units of free electricity per month. This scheme has been extended until April 2024, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserting that it is the first in the country to provide such a benefit. The Delhi BJP has criticised the scheme, claiming that it only benefits a small section of people and that the AAP is trying to mislead Delhiites. The BJP has promised that if it comes to power in 2025, it will ensure that all consumers receive the first 200 units of electricity for free.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Units of electricity free | 200 |
| Electricity scheme introduced by | Kejriwal government |
| Year of introduction | 2019 |
| Scheme extended till | April 2024 |
| Number of domestic consumers | 58-59 lakh |
| Number of consumers with zero electricity bills | 48-49 lakh |
| Number of consumers with monthly bills ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2000 | 70% |
| Political party that introduced the scheme | Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) |
| Political party that accused AAP of trying to mislead Delhiites | BJP |
| Political party that has promised to implement a free electricity scheme in Delhi if it comes to power in 2025 | BJP |
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What You'll Learn
The scheme was introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2019
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, introduced a free electricity scheme in Delhi in 2019. Under this scheme, residents of Delhi were provided with up to 200 units of free electricity per month. The scheme was a flagship initiative of the Kejriwal government and was extended until April 2024.
The Kejriwal government's free electricity scheme has been a contentious issue in Delhi's political landscape. The AAP government has faced opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the AAP of misleading the people of Delhi and attempting to stall the scheme. Despite these criticisms, the Kejriwal government has remained committed to providing free electricity to Delhi's residents.
In 2023, Delhi Power Minister Atishi Marlena assured the people of Delhi that a decision by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to allow power companies to increase Power Purchase Adjustment Charges (PPAC) would not affect those entitled to free electricity. Atishi claimed that the central BJP-led government was responsible for the rise in electricity prices due to a scarcity of coal production.
The free electricity scheme has been popular among Delhi's residents, with more than 48 lakh domestic consumers opting for the subsidy. The AAP government has also asserted that it is the first in the country to provide such a scheme, offering free electricity to those who need it the most. The scheme has been extended to tenants in Delhi, with Kejriwal promising free electricity and water for those living in rented accommodations, often from impoverished backgrounds.
The BJP has responded to the scheme's extension by promising that if it comes to power in Delhi in 2025, it will also provide free electricity to all consumers for the first 200 units consumed. They have also pledged to offer cheaper electricity rates to commercial consumers. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of making empty promises and exploiting the people of Delhi, particularly regarding electricity bills and water supply issues.
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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged BJP tried to stall the scheme
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was founded on 26 November 2012 by Arvind Kejriwal and his companions, following the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement against the Indian National Congress government. The party's electoral debut was in December 2013, when it contested the Delhi Assembly elections. AAP raised the issue of inflated electricity and water bills, which sparked protests against the government's ties to power companies and the water mafia.
In 2019, the Kejriwal government introduced a scheme to provide 200 units of free electricity per month in Delhi. This scheme has been extended until April 2024. However, there have been allegations that the BJP has attempted to stall this scheme.
In April 2023, a video of Delhi's Power Minister Atishi circulated online, in which she stated that the power subsidy in the national capital would end. However, this video was from a press conference held in April 2023, and the full video provides context for the subsidy withdrawal. Atishi displayed letters from electricity distribution companies indicating their intent to raise tariffs for 2023-2024. She also claimed that power department officials were under "pressure" to stop the free electricity scheme, and that BJP leaders had threatened officers to end the subsidy for lawyers and farmers.
In June 2023, Delhi Power Minister Atishi Marlena assured residents that the decision by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission to allow power firms to increase Power Purchase Adjustment Charges would not affect those entitled to 200 units of free electricity. She blamed the BJP-led central government for the rise in electricity prices, citing a scarcity of coal production.
The AAP has accused the BJP of restricting welfare schemes, such as free bus rides for women in Delhi, and failing to fulfil its poll promises. AAP leaders have criticised the BJP, stating that they are "worse than British" and vowing to return to power in Delhi. The party has a strong presence in the state, having ruled for over 10 years and receiving 43% of votes in the most recent assembly elections.
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Power Minister Atishi Marlena assured the scheme would continue
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi, led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, introduced a scheme in 2019 that provides free electricity up to 200 units per month to the residents of Delhi. The scheme has gained widespread attention, with more than 48 lakh domestic consumers opting for the subsidy out of over 58 lakh total consumers.
However, in April 2023, a video of Delhi's Power Minister Atishi Marlena surfaced, in which she stated that the power subsidy for 46 lakh families in the national capital was ending. This video sparked concerns among the public, with social media users claiming that the party decided to end the subsidy before the polls.
Despite these concerns, Power Minister Atishi Marlena has assured the public that the free electricity scheme will continue. In June 2023, she stated, "I assure the Delhi people that it will not affect those who get free electricity. They will continue to enjoy free electricity up to 200 units." Atishi blamed the central government for the rise in electricity prices, citing a scarcity of coal production and decisions made by the BJP-led central government.
The AAP has accused the BJP of attempting to stall the Delhi government's free electricity scheme by pressuring officers. They challenged the BJP to implement a similar scheme in any of the states they govern. The BJP has denied these allegations and claimed that only a small section of people benefits from the Delhi government's power subsidy scheme. They have promised that if they come to power in the national capital in 2025, they will ensure that all consumers receive the first 200 units of electricity for free.
The free electricity scheme in Delhi has been extended until April 2024. Power Minister Atishi Marlena's assurance that the scheme will continue has provided relief to the residents of Delhi, especially those who rely on the subsidy to manage their monthly expenses.
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Over 70% of Delhi's people pay electricity bills
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi provides free electricity up to 200 units per month. This scheme was introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2019 and has been extended until April 2024. The AAP has alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has attempted to stall this scheme.
Despite the free electricity scheme, it is estimated that over 70% of Delhi's 59 lakh domestic consumers pay electricity bills. Of these, about 40% pay monthly bills of more than Rs. 2000, 14% pay between Rs. 1000 and Rs. 2000, and 11% pay between Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000. Less than 17 lakh citizens have zero power bills.
The Delhi Power Minister, Atishi Marlena, has assured residents that the decision by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) to allow power firms to increase Power Purchase Adjustment Charges (PPAC) will not affect those entitled to 200 units of free electricity. However, a video of Atishi circulated online in which she stated that the power subsidy in the national capital would end. The video was from a press conference in April 2023, and in it, she said that "those previously receiving zero bills will see an increase, and those with 50 per cent subsidy will face higher bills."
The BJP has criticised the AAP and Kejriwal, accusing them of trying to "mislead" Delhiites and exploiting the people over electricity bills. The BJP's Delhi unit has promised that if it comes to power in the national capital in 2025, it will ensure that all consumers get the first 200 units of electricity free.
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BJP has promised to implement the scheme in states it rules
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the BJP has tried to stall the Delhi government's free electricity scheme. The BJP has been accused of pressuring officers and manipulating to stop the scheme. The Delhi BJP unit has said that if it comes to power in the national capital in 2025, it will ensure that all consumers get the benefit of the first 200 units of free electricity. A BJP spokesperson reiterated that only a small section of people was benefitting from the power subsidy scheme, while a large percentage of domestic and all commercial consumers were forced to pay the highest power tariffs in the country.
The AAP has challenged the BJP to implement the free electricity scheme in any of the states it rules. The BJP has not yet responded to this challenge. However, the BJP's Delhi unit has promised to implement a similar scheme if it comes to power in the capital. The BJP has also promised to offer cheaper electricity rates to commercial consumers.
The free electricity scheme in Delhi was introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2019. The scheme provides for free electricity up to 200 units per month and a 50% subsidy on monthly consumption between 200 and 400 units. The scheme has been extended until April 2024. The Kejriwal government has also promised to provide free electricity and water to tenants in Delhi.
The BJP has accused Kejriwal of remembering the city's tenant population "only during the elections". Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva alleged that Kejriwal has been "showing dreams of free and affordable electricity to tenants" since 2017 but has delivered nothing. He further accused Kejriwal of colluding with power distribution companies to exploit the people, particularly over electricity bills.
Despite the BJP's attempts to stall the scheme, the Delhi Power Minister Atishi Marlena has assured residents that the decision by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission to allow power firms to increase Power Purchase Adjustment Charges will not affect those entitled to 200 units of free electricity. Atishi has blamed the BJP-led central government for the rise in electricity prices in the Union Territory.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of 2023, Delhi's monthly 200-unit free electricity scheme is in effect. The scheme was introduced by the Kejriwal government in 2019 and has been extended until April 2024.
All residents of Delhi are eligible for free electricity up to 200 units per month.
There have been attempts by the BJP to stall or discontinue the scheme, but as of 2023, the free electricity scheme remains in place. The BJP has stated that if it comes to power in the national capital in 2025, it will ensure that all consumers benefit from the first 200 units of free electricity.
The free electricity scheme in Delhi has resulted in lower electricity bills for many residents. Official sources claimed that the number of people getting zero electricity bills in Delhi is below 1.7 million, and 70% of the total 59 lakh domestic consumers pay monthly bills ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000.
