Delhi Faces Potential Electricity Tariff Hike Amidst ₹27,000 Crore Debt
Delhi’s Power Minister, Ashish Sood, has indicated that electricity tariffs in the capital are likely to increase. “Delhiites may soon have to pay more for electricity as the Discoms have been given the liberty to recover the amount from the public.” He attributes this potential hike to a substantial ₹27,000 crore debt left by the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government with power distribution companies (Discoms) through the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
Discoms Authorized to Recover Debt
Responding to a query by AAP MLA Imran Hussain in the Delhi Assembly regarding potential tariff hikes, Sood explained that Discoms are authorized to raise rates to recover the outstanding dues. “The DERC is a statutory body which is not controlled by the government. If any dues are to be recovered, the DERC will determine it and the Discoms can recover the amount from consumers.” He added that during the AAP government’s tenure, despite a Delhi High Court directive asking DERC to issue a tariff order, the administration failed to act in the public interest.
Opposition Criticizes Unfulfilled Promises
Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Atishi took aim at the central government, criticizing the BJP for not delivering on its electoral promise of providing ₹2,500 monthly financial aid to women. “It has been over a month since the BJP formed the government, but not a single woman has received even ₹1 of the ₹2,500 promised.” She urged the current administration to fulfill its commitments during the ongoing Budget Session.
Key Issues Highlighted During Budget Session
The Budget Session comes after the recent 2025 Delhi Assembly elections, which saw the BJP regain control after nearly three decades. The session has already seen discussions on several critical issues including water shortages, drainage challenges, and sewerage blockages. Legislators like Surya Prakash Khatri, Mohan Singh Bisht, and Raj Kumar Bhatia have been actively involved in raising civic issues affecting their constituencies.
The Assembly also tabled two Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports focusing on the now-scrapped excise policy and Delhi’s healthcare infrastructure. During Question Hour, members raised multiple queries, and the House scheduled deliberations under Rule-280 to address issues of urgent public importance.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta proposed motions to elect members to three significant financial oversight committees—the Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Estimates, and Committee on Government Undertakings. These committees are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring fiscal accountability and governance over the next legislative term.
The Budget Session is scheduled to continue until March 28, with the possibility of an extension if further discussions are required.
