Govt explores prepaid power meter option for tenants

With an aim to extend its power subsidy scheme to tenants in the Capital, the Delhi government on Tuesday directed the officers in the Electricity Department to explore the option of prepaid electricity meters. If the new system comes in to place, the tenants will be required to purchase power they use in advance.

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Delhi Power Minister Satyendar Jain. During the meeting, Jain directed the officials to prepare a feasibility report on the option and also an implementation roadmap.

"We have been asked for the simplification of documentation for tenants who had recently complained to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that house owners were not passing on subsidy benefits to them,"a Power Department official said.

Under the scheme, the Delhi government provides 50 per cent subsidy on electricity tariffs, on usage of up to 400 units, on domestic electricity connections for all residents of Delhi.

"The minister also directed the officials and discoms to explore the options of pre-paid electricity meters and simplification of documentation for allowing tenants to avail the benefits of electricity subsidy, which is already available to domestic consumers," the official said.

Jain said pre-paid meters would be beneficial for both landlords and tenants, and help all parties concerned in easy billing.

Last month, Kejriwal had written to Jain asking him to ensure that power subsidy was provided to tenants. In his letter, the Chief Minister had asked him to prepare a roadmap for the benefit of subsidy to "each and every tenant" living in the national Capital.