Reduce Power Bills
WITH the objective of arresting repeated and arbitrary tariff hike of electricity, Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party launched an agitation. The party resolved not to rest till the power tariff is substantially decreased. The BJP also threatened if the Congress government led by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit fails to extend immediate relief to Delhiites and stops illegally benefiting private distribution companies, it would, if comes to power, cancel the licence of the companies.
In order to press upon their demands, the BJP workers staged a massive demonstration outside Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) office on March 21. Apart from party workers, the representatives of different Residents Welfare Associations, NGOs also participated in the protest.
Addressing the protestors, Delhi BJP chief Vijay Goel said Delhi Government should tell how the power tariff was increased by 59 per cent during the last 24 months, whereas in Gujarat it was increased only by 6 per cent. Why the Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is silent on this issue whereas Delhi Government has about 49% share in these companies. “The Lt. Governor says that after the income of 30,000 crore rupees, the power companies have earned profit, then why power tariff is not being decreased? Why did the Commission not ask the power companies from where and how much amount they are spending on purchasing power? The DERC has no knowledge about the movable and immovable properties of the companies, then how it is fixing the power tariff? Why the Central Electricity Act, National Tariff Policy are being violated? According to Central Electricity Act, power tariff cannot be increased more than once in a year then why power tariff is being increased many times in a year? DERC has not informed the people till date that what short comings have they found in the ARR of the companies and what action was taken so that the people may give their feedback,” Shri Goel said. (FOC)
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