Delhi: Soon, power consumers can get subsidy through a missed call

NEW DELHI: Delhi government on Saturday said that consumers would soon be able to opt in for subsidy on frugal consumption of electricity using multiple methods.
A mobile number will soon be issued on which the consumers can give a missed call to register for subsidy, the government said in a statement. People will also be able to continue getting the subsidy by scanning a QR code printed on their power bills or alternatively can fill up an attached form and submit it at the discom office.
Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who holds the charge of the power department, held a meeting of officials to find “easy ways” for consumers to continue getting subsidies if they consume up to 400 units of electricity every month. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced earlier this year that from October 1, the subsidy on electricity consumption will be regulated and available only on an “opt-in” basis.
Of over 58 lakh electricity consumers in Delhi, more than 47 lakh get subsidy on their bills.
Sisodia said the government has decided to simplify the procedure for opting in for subsidy. “We will soon release a phone number where consumers can drop a missed call or send a WhatsApp message to register their choice for the power subsidy. Delhiites will also have the convenience of opting in through a QR code on the bill or by visiting the Discom centre, besides filling a form attached to the bill,” he said.
“We want to give them as many options as possible so that they are not inconvenienced,” Sisodia added.
The decision to give an option to consumers whether they continue to avail the subsidy was taken after the government got suggestions that instead of giving the facility to financially strong households, the money can be used for building and upgrading schools and hospitals.
“Taking their demand into consideration, all consumers will be given a choice to opt-out from the subsidy scheme or continue getting free electricity from Octo-ber 1,” said an official.