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a)
Privatisation and High Tariffs
Delhi’s power privatisation was a scam of international
ramifications. There have been CAG reports highlighting the
corruption and deceit employed in the process. A proper inquiry
must be lodged to identify the persons responsible for looting the
common people of Delhi to the extent of hundreds of crore of
rupees.
At the
time of privatisation, the people were assured that the Distcoms
would reduce tariffs by bringing down T&D losses. Though it is now
claimed that the Aggregate Technical and Commercial losses in the
city between 2002 and 2007 have been reduced from 62 per cent to
25 per cent in BSES-served areas and from 50 per cent to 18 per
cent in NDPL areas, the Distcoms have not bothered to reduce
tariffs. Why is the Delhi government reneging on its promise?
It is
estimated that a one per cent reduction in T&D losses generates
annual savings of Rs.700- 800 crore. So, if the losses have come
down by 32 per cent, why is the government not forcing the
Distcoms to cut rates?
On
another front, it was found that fast-moving meters were installed
in people’s homes. The BJP had been highlighting this for a large
number of years. However, even after detection, BSES has not
bothered to apologise to the people of Delhi and refund the excess
amounts extracted from them.
Delhi must set an example before the rest of the country as a
consumer-friendly state. Therefore, the BJP will ensure that the
Distcoms reduce tariffs and increase the level of its service to
the common man. At present, people complaining of fast-running
meters are being treated with contempt. An independent authority
must be given the charge of checking all the meters. The same
authority would identify cases of power theft and cases would be
field under the Electricity Act against such persons.
b) Cheaper power to poor colonies
We reject the premise that people in poor colonies “steal” power
and are therefore responsible for the high T&D losses. In fact,
the poor are more than willing to pay and most of them do pay. Far
more power theft takes place in the richer parts of Delhi.
Being a
pro-poor party, the BJP wills strive for reducing power tariffs in
newly authorised colonies and rehabilitation colonies. This will
go a long way towards promoting greater upward mobility among the
weaker economic groups.
c) Alternative energy sources
A full-fledged campaign to promote alternative energy sources
will be started in Delhi. A project to set up industrial units in
the joint sector between Delhi State Industrial Development
Corporation and reputed private sector partners for mass
manufacture of photo-voltaic cells, reflectors, etc. will be
examined. Over the next five years the ground will be prepared for
generating solar power for meeting at least 10 per cent of Delhi’s
power needs. |
