BJP promises to allow multiple discoms, opposes hike

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posted on 11 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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The tariff was hiked by up to two per cent in May 2012 and again by 26 per cent for domestic consumers in July 2012.

New Delhi: Opposing any further hike in power tariff, Delhi BJP Chief Vijay Goel on Sunday promised that multiple discoms will be allowed to supply power if his party wins in assembly polls later this year so that the rates go down drastically. Addressing a rally at Rohini area in West Delhi, Goel said BJP will launch a "massive" agitation if the rates were increased again.

"A massive agitation will be launched at the Ramlila Maidan if the power tariff is hiked again. We will not allow the rates to go up again," he said speaking at the "Akrosh" rally organised jointly by the BJP and various RWAs. Goel said allowing multiple power companies will help people choose their supplier which will also help in cutting tariff by at least 30 per cent. "Introducing portability of electricity connection will help cut the tariff. It will offer the consumer the option to choose from a bouquet of vendors competing against each other," he said.

Currently, three separate discoms supply power in Delhi in separate areas. The BJP chief promised to come out with a detailed plan to reduce and manage the power tariff in Delhi. Hike in power tariff is likely to become a major issue in the run up to the assembly elections slated to be held in November 2013. AAP's Arvind Kejriwal had already announced that his party would fight the Delhi Assembly polls focussing mainly on hike in electricity and water tariff. The power tariff in the city was hiked by 22 per cent in 2011 followed by five per cent hike in February 2012.

The tariff was hiked by up to two per cent in May 2012 and again by 26 per cent for domestic consumers in July 2012. The tariff was hiked by up to three per cent in March 2013. The DERC is currently in the process of finalising the tariff for 2013-14. There has been indication that the tariff may go up. On water issue, Goel said there was no shortage of water in Delhi and that the scarcity has been result of the "mismanagement" of the supply network. "BJP will bring piped water to every household in Delhi by streamlining the distribution system," he said adding "BJP cadre will uproot the Congress in the next elections with the power of paper, pen and speech."