Kejriwal orders 50% cut in power tariffs for lower slabs

Within four days of assuming power, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal delivered on a second major pre-poll promise and this time with a cut in power tariffs. “There will be 50 percent subsidy to those who consume less than 400 units. The subsidised rates will benefit 28 lakh consumers in Delhi. Rates will be reduced further once the audit is over,” Kejriwal told reporters after a cabinet meet.[caption id=“attachment_1316577” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Cheap power. Reuters[/caption] The Delhi government has also ordered for CAG-conducted audit of the three power distribution firms in the national capital. The power firms have been given time till tomorrow to respond and explain why audits should not be conducted on them. “Till the time audit of power companies is complete we will give 50 percent subsidy to consumers,” the chief minister said. “The burden on the exchequer will be Rs 200 crore on paper but effectively it will be Rs 61 crore because of the subsidy,” Kejriwal said. On Monday, the Delhi government announced 700 litres of free water per day to each household where the meters are functioning properly.