Delhi Electricity Rates to Rise Soon: A new concern has emerged for the people of the capital, Delhi. The people of Delhi, who have been used to relief for a long time, may now have to face increased electricity bills. In fact, the Supreme Court has approved the increase in electricity rates in Delhi. After this decision of the court, it has become clear that now electricity is going to be expensive in Delhi, although the relief is that this increase will be within a fixed limit and rules.
Supreme Court’s conditions on the increase in electricity rates
The Supreme Court has made it clear in its order that electricity rates can be increased in Delhi, but this increase should be within the prescribed limit of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC). Along with this, the court also said that this process should be transparent and balanced so that there is no sudden heavy burden on the pocket of the general public. The court has directed the DERC to prepare a clear and phased blueprint regarding the increase in electricity rates, so that it can be decided when and how the prices will be increased.
The long tussle of power companies has paid off
Actually, the power distribution companies of Delhi were demanding for a long time that the electricity rates should be increased. They said that the cost of production and distribution of electricity is constantly increasing, while selling electricity at the current rates is becoming a loss-making deal for them. These companies requested DERC several times, but the commission repeatedly rejected these demands. Now, after getting the approval of the Supreme Court, the power companies have definitely got some relief.
DERC now has a big responsibility
Now the challenge before the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission is to prepare a plan that can increase the electricity rates and also minimize its negative impact on consumers. The court has made it clear that the new electricity rates will neither be unfair nor unbearable for the general public. With this decision, the process of increasing the electricity prices has now formally started.
Will the facility of free electricity end?
The electricity subsidy given by the Delhi government is currently continuing. Under the current rules, lakhs of consumers in the capital are given free electricity up to 200 units every month. However, consumers have to pay for the consumption after this as per the fixed rate. Now the question arises whether this facility of free electricity will continue after the Supreme Court’s decision, or there can be a change in it too.
Will the public get relief, or will the burden increase?
Even though the court has talked about a limited increase in rates, it cannot be denied that electricity bills may become a little heavier in the coming days. However, it is the responsibility of the government and DERC to maintain a balance so that the companies get relief and the consumers are not burdened.
What will happen next?
Now all eyes are on the proposed blueprint of DERC, in which it will be decided when the electricity rates will increase and what their form will be. Since the court’s decision, this issue has become a topic of discussion in Delhi, and in the coming times, it can also become a cause of political debate.