Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi announced that the power rates have been cut by three rupees per unit in the state. The revised rates are going to be applicable from November 1st itself. He criticised Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal for not keeping up his poll promise of free electricity.
Channi said that with the latest decision more than 95 percent of residents of Punjab will be benefited. He further added that Punjab goes to polls early next year. He also announced 11 percent hike in Dearness Allowance for state government employees.
He said, “Inflated power bills are a major issue for Punjabis, it leads to utter chaos and poverty, which leads to suicide. We are going to resolve this and have decided in today’s cabinet regarding this.”
Channi asserted that there will be an uninterrupted power supply at affordable rates to customers and the Punjab government is going to terminate the Power Purchase Agreement with GVK Goindwal Sahib.
He added that, “Punjab already bears Rs.10,628 crores on power subsidy and now total subsidy is 14,000 crores, which is seven times than what Delhi spends on the same. Delhi spends Rs. 2,200 crores.”
Till 31st October,the rate was 4.19 rupees per unit till 100 units; and now it will be just 1.19 rupees per unit.
For 100 to 300 units, consumers were charged 7 rupees per unit and now 4 rupees per unit for the same.
For more than 300 units, charges are 8.76 rupees per unit and now the rates are going to be calculated as 5.76 rupees per unit.