Cheaper power for Delhi residents

kriti nath jha
kritikans@thestatesman.net
New Delhi, 31 December
With the Delhi government deciding to slash power tariff by 50 per cent up to consumption of 400 units a month, the three power distribution companies in the Capital would be slashing retail power charges by half for 28 lakh customers from Wednesday. The companies would also have to face a statutory audit once the Lieutenant Governor, Mr Najeeb Jung, recommends it in writing to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. 
CAG sources said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, requested an audit of the power companies for the last 11 years for which a team will be deputed. The sources refused to give a specific time-frame for the completion of the audit.  However, sources in the discoms said the CAG does not have the mandate to conduct such an audit. 
Speaking to reporters after chairing the meeting of the Delhi cabinet that took the decision, Mr Kejriwal said the power tariff cut, effective from tomorrow, 1 January, will apply to homes that consume up to 400 units of electricity a month. Those who consume more will pay for the entire supply.
He said the total impact of the cut in power rates would be Rs 200 crore for three months. Of this, Rs 65 crore would be borne by the state government and Rs 61 crore by Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL). “The remaining Rs 74 crore would be set off against the Rs 140 crore BSES Yamuna and BSES Rajdhani owe the state government.” 
Earlier, Mr Kejriwal met the CAG, Mr Shashi Kant Sharma, seeking an audit of the finances of the three discoms. The national auditor agreed but clarified that the scrutiny of their books would require a request from the Lieutenant Governor. Mr Kejriwal said the government can order an audit of the firms if required, but added the three companies would be given a day’s time to respond on the issue.

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