NEW DELHI: Delhi govt is exploring the option of restricting electricity subsidies for ‘dormant’ consumers who log ‘zero’ power consumption for months because their houses remain locked.Currently, households consuming up to 200 units per month get 100% subsidy, which also covers fixed electricity charges. As a result, even the dormant consumers receive zero bills, with govt having to pay their fixed charges of Rs 100 to Rs 150 per month.
Will Mainly Cover Those Who Stay Outstation Or Abroad For A Long Time
An official said around 4 lakh consumers, largely made up of people who stay outstation or abroad for long periods, in the city fall into this category.Every year, govt ends up making an annual expenditure of Rs 50 crore to Rs 60 crore in electricity charges for such households. “The CAG flagged this spending, which has prompted govt to review this aspect of power subsidies. It may take a decision to restrict the subsidies for such households,” said an official who requested anonymity.The official added that during its review, govt will also consider a scenario when dormant consumers become active. “In that eventuality, they can be allowed to avail themselves of the subsidy,” said the official. Govt’s move should not be misunderstood as an attempt to limit or curtail the free power subsidy scheme, the official said, adding, “Govt had already clarified that the free schemes would continue and provisions were made in the budget for the continuation of power subsidies.”Under Delhi’s free power scheme, apart from zero-bill domestic consumers, those consuming between 201 and 400 units receive a subsidy of 50%, capped at Rs 800. If the consumption crosses 400 units, no subsidy is provided and the consumers pay the full tariff applicable to their category.According to a Delhi govt report, in March 2025, about 44.5 lakh households were in the zero-bill category, slightly higher than in March 2024. Across the three power distribution companies, the overall monthly average of zero-bill consumers increased from 27.3 lakh in 2024 to 29 lakh in 2025. However, the numbers fluctuate seasonally. While the zero-bill policy benefits around 45% to 50% of domestic consumers during cooler months, there is a sharp decline of the number of beneficiaries in this bracket from March to July as electricity consumption rises in summer and many households cross the 200-unit threshold, making them ineligible for the full subsidy. The subsidy is funded directly by Delhi govt, which reimburses the three companies — BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, BSES Yamuna Power Limited, and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited — for the discounted portion of the tariff.Over the years, the fiscal outlay on the subsidy has grown steadily as the number of electricity connections in the city has increased. In Delhi budget 2025-26, Rs 3,600 crore was allocated towards power subsidy to consumers.In the run-up to the 2025 assembly elections, BJP had promised to continue all free schemes running in the city, a pledge it kept after its govt coming to office.
