The Chief Minister of Punjab said that SC, Backward Caste, BPL families and freedom fighters are currently getting 200 units free every month, now they will get 300 units of electricity every month, if their consumption is 600 units in two months. more than that, they will be charged only for more units.
The Chief Minister said that if the consumption of electricity in other households exceeds 600 units in two months, the consumer will have to pay for the entire electricity usage. He said that there would be no increase in electricity rates for industrial and commercial consumers, while free electricity to the farming community would continue.
The move comes after inputs from cash-strapped Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL) that it would be difficult to provide free electricity in the summer months. As first reported by ET in its April 14 edition, the state is grappling with a shortage of coal to keep its thermal power plants running and is barely able to meet the current demand. With the onset of paddy sowing season, the demand for electricity will increase further. The PSPCL had told top AAP officials that providing free power at this time would lead to indiscriminate use of electricity and demand could pick up in the crucial summer months.
AAP Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the move and said, “AAP does what it says and does not make false promises like other parties. An honest and patriotic government with clear intentions has come to Punjab. We We will not allow shortage of money gets in the way of progress.”
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring hit out at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and questioned the move, citing the conditions attached to it. “The proof of Halwa is in the food… The truth of your 300 units of free electricity will be tested in its details and conditions. Best wishes to PSPCL, who have to survive somehow,” tweeted.
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