By IANS,
New Delhi : The Delhi government Monday decided to continue the targeted subsidy for domestic consumers using a limited quantum of electricity, and also for agricultural consumers.
“Targeted subsidy of Re.one per unit for all domestic consumers restricting their consumption up to 150/200 units per month in off-peak/peak months would continue. This targeted subsidy has been in existence from March 2008,” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said after her cabinet meeting here.
She said agricultural consumers would also continue to benefit the special subsidy.
The period of both these subsidies expired on May 31, 2009.
Dikshit said the decision has been taken in view of the government’s commitment to provide relief to those domestic consumers who are really vulnerable and have been restricting their monthly consumption, thereby providing an impetus to the government’s conservation drive.
According to an official statement, the subsidy would continue at the rate of Re.one to all domestic consumers who restrict their monthly consumption up to 150 units during the off-peak summer months (March and April) and off-peak winter months (September, October, November and February) and up to 200 units per month during peak summer months (May to August) and peak winter months (December and January).
“This would go a long way in effecting a huge power saving. The targeted subsidy is for the economically weaker sections of the society,” it added. This, it said, has helped in conservation of energy as more number of consumers, even well-to-do consumers, have tried to keep themselves within the consumption limits entitled for subsidy.
The agricultural consumers would continue to get electricity at a cheaper rate – Rs.1.55 less per unit than the normal rate.