Despite various criticism of the AAP by various political parties over the promise freebies, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann did not shy away from taking this massive decision. Notably, the AAP government of Delhi provides 200 units of free power per month. Now, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has took the same decision but with better benefits for the people of Punjab.
Now the question arises who can avail of the Punjab free electricity benefits and from which month free 300 power units will start benefiting the people of Punjab?
Punjab free 300 units electricity: When and how to avail?
Amidst the scorching heat, many might be excited and thinking that Punjab's free electricity announcement comes at a perfect time. In summers, the consumption of electricity is relatively much higher as compared to other seasons. However, Punjab free 300 unit electricity cannot be availed instantly. As per the state government, 300 units of free power to every household from July 1. This means that the Punjab free electricity will come into effect once the summer season ends. During April, May and June, when the summer season is at its peak and electricity consumption are maximum at that time people will not be given any kind of relief.
How debt-ridden Punjab will bear cost of 300 units of free power?
According to Powercom experts, if 300 units of free electricity were provided, the total annual cost would be Rs 23,300 crore, while the total budget deficit of the Punjab Government alone is Rs. 24000 crores per annum. About Rs 14,000 crore will be borne by Powercom. If the government takes the full bill as soon as it crosses 300 units, the burden will come down to Rs 7,000 crore. The announcement to give free units from July will help the AAP government in managing the budget deficit.
The scheme is the biggest announcement made by the AAP government since it was elected to power in March. Of the 73.80 lakh domestic consumers in the state, nearly 62.25 lakh will benefit from it.