Mann added that if the electricity consumption exceeds 600 units in two months, the consumer will have to pay for the entire electricity consumption (ANI)
The Mann government has implemented several welfare schemes, with the free electricity program standing out as a significant initiative. This scheme aims to alleviate financial burdens on household electricity consumers by offering free electricity up to 300 units per month. It has particularly benefitted economically disadvantaged families and small households, significantly easing concerns over electricity costs. This initiative is making a tangible impact on the lives of countless domestic electricity users across Punjab.
Residents are expressing their gratitude towards the Mann government for the introduction of free electricity. Satnam Singh, a villager from Maraut, remarked, "The government has done a great job for us by waiving the electricity bill. Our bills have been zero for quite some time, and the savings are now being directed towards our children's education." He also noted that the frequent power cuts have been eliminated, allowing for a continuous 24-hour electricity supply.
Many locals have reported that since the new Mann government took office, they have experienced a range of benefits. The availability of uninterrupted electricity has simplified daily tasks. One resident mentioned, “The money we save on electricity bills is now being utilized for household expenses.” Farmers have also noticed a significant change; previously, they struggled to irrigate their fields due to power outages. Now, with a reliable 24-hour electricity supply, they can efficiently provide water to their crops.
Interestingly, despite the provision of free electricity, some consumers are opting to use it more judiciously. They are aware that exceeding the 300-unit limit would result in charges for the entire amount consumed. This conscious consumption reflects a growing awareness among users about the importance of resource management.
Mann said that Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, BPL families and Freedom Fighters (about 21 lakh consumers), who were currently getting 200 units of free electricity every month, will now get 300 units of electricity monthly. Mann also announced a waiver of outstanding electricity bills till December 31, 2021 for households with loads up to two kilowatts. Apart from this, he said that there will be no increase in electricity rates for industrial and commercial consumers, while the farmers will continue to get free electricity. The Punjab Chief Minister further said that his government will ensure 24-hour electricity supply in every village and town in two-three years. He said that his government will also provide the cheapest electricity in the country to the consumers of the state.
Mann said free electricity will help every family save money which they can spend on children's education and other needs. Meanwhile, talking to reporters here, AAP's senior leader and MLA Aman Arora said that about 80 percent of consumers will benefit from the announcement of free electricity. He said that there are total 73.50 lakh domestic consumers in the state and 61 lakh families are covered under this scheme. The power company Punjab Raj Bijlee Nigam Limited has estimated that around 61 lakh households consume less than 300 units of electricity per month.
Asked why general category consumers are charged for consumption of more than 600 units of electricity in two months, Arora said this is done to ensure proper use of electricity and prevent its misuse. He said that in summer the electricity consumption of consumers can be more than 600 units but in other months their consumption can be even less. In response to another question, Arora said that this move would put an additional financial burden of Rs 5,000 crore on the exchequer.
"But this burden will not be passed on to consumers." Punjab has a total financial burden of around Rs 14,000 crore per year due to electricity subsidy to various sections, out of which the subsidy bill due to free electricity to the agriculture sector alone is around Rs 7,000 crore.
Rebate of Rs 3 per unit in electricity tariffs implemented by the previous Congress government and up to 200 units of free electricity to Scheduled Castes, BPL, BPL families and freedom fighters and up to Rs 5 per unit to industrialists. A subsidy bill of Rs 4,000 crore remains due to free electricity. There is a bill to provide electricity to the sector at the rate of Rs 3,000 crore. AAP leader and Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said in a tweet that whatever was promised has been fulfilled.
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