Tuesday, June 11, 2013: At last there would be some form of respite from the increasing power bills and the rising heat. The environment department of Delhi, which previously had removed all the subsidies of solar power and water heaters is now reintroducing it but in a different manner. The subsidy on water heater would now be directly impacting the electricity bills. The earlier proposed subsidy was for domestic and other non-commercial units and ranged between Rs 6000 and Rs 60,000.
According to the officials, there were many consumers who had misused the subsidy, especially those of the non-commercial institutes. Neither were they making proper use of the facility nor were the equipment being properly maintained. Now, the plans are to link the subsidy to the electricity bills so that chances of misuse was less and consumers get direct. Power distribution companies are yet to suggest a view but their role will be crucial in the scheme of things. While the power rebate will be on the bills, the discount will be routed through the environment ministry.
The way the rebate could be implemented will be discussed with the discoms. While the workers would now be required to check the meters yearly, they will also be responsible to check if the solar panels are properly maintained and that the facility is going to the consumers. The environment department will also be conducting regular checks on the households to ensure proper use of the facilities. A final approval is still awaited and the proposal would be put forth in the next Cabinet meeting.
