Electricity will be expensive in Delhi! Where will the government bring Rs 30 thousand crores?

Delhiites may now have to spend more to light their homes. The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL) has rejected the appeal of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) in which they had sought extension of the deadline for paying the dues of Rs 30 thousand crore. Rejecting this appeal, APTEL has asked to pay the dues within the already fixed time limit. Now this can have a direct impact on the customers.

Delhi government has to pay dues of more than Rs 30,000 crore to electricity distribution companies (discoms). The Supreme Court has already reprimanded in this matter. Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has got the responsibility for payment of this dues. Last year in August, the Supreme Court had given a direction to the Delhi government that the government should pay Rs 27200 crore to the three private discoms (BRPL, BYPL and TPDDL). Along with this, the government was also asked to pay the carrying cost i.e. interest.

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Supreme Court gave its decision

Last year, the Supreme Court has given its decision in this matter. In its order, the Supreme Court had asked the electricity companies of Delhi to recover this outstanding amount within 7 years. Only after this decision of the Supreme Court, this process gained momentum and its responsibility was given to Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Could electricity rates increase?

Now electricity rates can be increased in Delhi to improve the financial condition of Discoms and to maintain stable electricity supply. Experts say that now this step may be necessary. If this is not rectified in time, it may have a direct impact on electricity supply in the future. The government will now have to pay the dues.

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government plan

Now the big challenge before the government is to pay this dues without increasing the electricity rates. Discom companies in Delhi are not government like other states but private. In such a situation, Sarakar cannot directly bear the burden herself. Final recovery in Delhi can happen through direct bills or government subsidies.

A few days ago, Delhi Government Electricity Minister Ashish Sood, while talking to the media, had given his stand on this issue. He had said that the decision that has come now is the decision of the regularity body. He had said that the Delhi government is committed that the increased electricity prices should not affect the public.