The Congress party has strongly criticized the Sai government’s decision to eliminate the electricity bill halving scheme, deeming it an act of oppression against the populace. The current administration has restricted the scheme to only cover electricity consumption up to 100 units, leaving a large number of consumers without the benefits. Previously, consumers with consumption exceeding 100 units also received halved bills for the initial 400 units. The Congress party is protesting against this policy.
The previous Congress government initiated the electricity bill halving scheme, providing relief to electricity consumers for five years, despite facing various challenges. Approximately 44 lakh domestic consumers benefited from this, collectively saving around 40,000 to 50,000 rupees per household during that period. The earlier scheme encompassed nearly every consumer in the state, offering reduced rates for the first 400 units.
The government recently raised electricity prices for the fourth time. Domestic rates increased by 10 to 20 paise per unit, and non-domestic rates by 25 paise per unit. The agricultural pump rates saw the highest increase, at 50 paise per unit. The Sai government has increased domestic electricity rates by a total of 80 paise per unit in the past year and a half. The public is reportedly struggling with electricity shortages, experiencing power cuts and low voltage, a situation contrasting the Congress government’s policy of providing 24-hour electricity, supplemented by purchases from other states during peak seasons.