Shimla
The Electricity Board is now preparing to offer subsidies to electricity consumers on one or more electricity meters. The board has also started a survey for this purpose. The survey will determine how many meters each consumer has registered under their name. In the state, there are instances where a single individual has more than 10 or even 15 meters registered in their name. According to information, this survey is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The number of meters eligible for subsidies will be decided based on the survey report. A proposal will be prepared and sent to the government for approval.
The government will take the final decision on this matter in a cabinet meeting based on the proposal from the Energy Department. According to sources, the Electricity Board has started working on rationalizing the subsidies given to consumers. How this will be implemented will be decided only after the survey being conducted by the State Electricity Board is complete. Board officials acknowledged that there are many cases where 40 to 45 electricity meters are registered in the name of a single person. On average, 5 to 6 electricity meters are registered in the name of one building owner. The board management is also preparing a form for consumers to indicate which meter they want to receive the subsidy on. Consumers will be required to provide this information in writing.
28,729 Consumers Have Voluntarily Given Up Subsidies So Far
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had appealed to consumers in January to voluntarily give up their electricity subsidies to strengthen the state and the Electricity Board. Following this appeal, the number of consumers giving up their subsidies has increased. So far, 28,729 consumers in the state have given up their subsidies. These consumers include 13,355 government employees and 11,157 pensioners. In addition, 4,217 general consumers have also given up their electricity subsidies.
