No power tariff hike in Delhi, CM credits it to honest politics

NEW DELHI: Delhi’s power regulator on Thursday decided to leave tariffs unchanged during its annual review for the first time in five years. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission not only did not give in to the demands of the distribution companies to increase tariffs but also brought cooperative group housing societies on a par with domestic consumers to ensure they also get the benefit of subsidy. “There was no convincing reason to concede discoms’ demands for a tariff hike. So we decided not to hike tariff,” DERC chairman PD Sudhakar told ET.

When asked if the decision was influenced by, or was a consequence of, the Comptroller and Auditor General’s draft report which largely confirmed criticisms of the Aam Aadmi Party government, Sudhakar said, “It is still a draft report and the high court has clearly said that this should not be taken into account till the final report is ready. So the CAG report’s findings were not considered during our tariff revision process,” he said. Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal was quick to credit “honest politics” for the DERC’s decision. “Congratulations Delhiites.

A big relief to u. No power tariff hike. I told u it was possible. All becoz of honest politics,” he tweeted. More than a month ago, the DERC had granted an interim tariff hike of 6% to the distribution companies.