AAP keeps poll promise, cuts power tariff by 50% in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced that there will be 50 percent cut in power tariffs in the city for those using up to 400 units.

Kejriwal said, "Subsidies rates will benefit 28 lakh consumers in Delhi. Rates will be reduced further once the audit is over."

Kejriwal, however, said no time frame can be given for the power audit.

Kejriwal had earlier announced that Comptroller and Auditor General is willing to audit power distribution companies in Delhi. CAG sources, however, said Kejriwal requested for audit of power companies from the last 11 years for which team will be deputed. The sources refuse to give a specific time frame for the completion of the audit.

However, sources in power companies said the CAG does not have the mandate to conduct such an audit.

Despite his ill health, Kejriwal met CAG Shashi Kant Sharma over the audit of power companies which has been one of the poll promises of the Aam Aadmi Party.

He had said that the state government feels audit is possible of all the three power distribution companies.

"All three companies should be given a chance to put their point of view. The three companies have been give time till tomorrow morning to respond on the companies being put under audit. There is no stay on audit," Kejriwal had said after meeting CAG.

Kejriwal has consistently alleged that private power distribution companies were overcharging Delhi residents.

AAP had promised to cut the electricity tariff by 50 percent after assuming power. On Monday, AAP fulfiled its promise of providing free water by giving each household with meters 20,000 liters free water per month.