Tariff cut for domestic power users in Punjab on cards

Chandigarh, October 31

After announcing free water supply to smaller homes as part of Congress’ poll agenda, the Channi government may now move ahead with reducing power tariff for domestic consumers across the board.

The agenda item, which had been kept under the wraps, is likely to be taken up at the Cabinet meeting on Monday. The CM had been hinting at a decision on November 1.

The moves comes a day after the government decided to terminate the power purchase agreement with GVK Goindwal Sahib (2x270 MW).

With polls round the corner, the government has already decided to waive arrears of rural water supply schemes, besides water supply and sewerage charges for domestic connections, worth Rs 1,868 crore. Sources said after consultations by a Cabinet sub-committee, the government is likely to substantially reduce the power tariff for all slabs for domestic consumers.

“As the base tariff, sans other levies, varies between Rs 3.40 and Rs7.50/unit, the reduction in tariff will benefit all categories of domestic consumers. Initial discussions were to reduce tariff by Rs3 per unit, but the final call will be taken at the Cabinet meeting,” said a source. With reports of PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu staying away from work, the Channi government is pushing forward with addressing various issues. On Sunday, state affairs incharge Harish Chaudhary held a Zoom meeting with ministers to prepare the roadmap for projection of various decisions taken by the government so far. — TNS