Residents of Delhi are preparing for a significant rise in electricity bills during the summer peak months of May and June due to a revision in the Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC). The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) has approved a 7–10% increase in PPAC charges for the city’s three major power distributors: BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL. According to DERC’s latest order, BRPL will levy a 7.25% increase, BYPL 8.11%, and TPDDL 10.47%, prompting questions from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) about the varying rates.
Delhi RWAs Criticize DERC Over Lack of Transparency and Rising Electricity Charges
The United Residents of Delhi (URD), an umbrella group of RWAs, criticized DERC’s handling of the process. URD General Secretary Saurabh Gandhi stated that the commission conducted a virtual public hearing with insufficient time for stakeholders to present their case, calling the PPAC imposition legally flawed. Meanwhile, Atul Goel, President of the United Residents Joint Action Front (URJA), accused DERC of lacking transparency, citing the inclusion of multiple surcharges like pension and green cess without proper justification. He also highlighted that Annual Recurring Revenue Reports are not publicly available, leaving consumers uninformed.
Adding to the discontent, BS Vohra, President of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Action Front, recalled that PPAC charges had been proposed before elections, but the then-opposition had criticized them. Now, with the same government in power, the earlier promises of affordable electricity seem forgotten. These developments have left Delhi’s consumers concerned about higher power costs and a lack of clarity from regulators and discoms.
Summary:
Delhi residents face a 7–10% hike in electricity bills as DERC approves higher PPAC charges for BRPL, BYPL, and TPDDL. Resident groups criticize DERC for lack of transparency and rushed hearings. Concerns grow over multiple surcharges and unfulfilled promises of affordable power amid rising costs and unclear regulations.
