Electricity is free in Punjab while Kerala mulls sharp rise in tariff rates and carry baggage of strikes
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While Aam Aadmi Party that recently came to power in Punjab has made 300 units of household electricity free every month, the Left government, which is celebrating the first year of a successive second term in Kerala, is in the process of raising electricity rates sharply. The two states are in almost the same situation when it comes to public debt.
While public service is being targeted there, the leaders of the pro-government organization in KSEB are trying to keep the management on the line and putting the institution itself in crisis through strikes.
One has to only pay for consumption above 300 units if more electricity is used in Punjab. In Tamil Nadu, 100 units of electricity is free to all consumers. Electricity is completely free for one lakh farmers. In Kerala, small concessions are given in tariffs for agricultural electricity and those using less than 50 units per month.
The Punjab government estimates that the free power project will drastically reduce operating costs and reduce the additional burden on the exchequer. Power companies are facing huge revenue losses due to power theft and bill fraud. Free electricity will reduce theft and bill fraud. It does not take much staff to figure this out. Cash counters will also be reduced. In this way, Punjab aims to reduce operating costs, make the power supply more scientific and minimize losses to the benefit of the people. Here, officials focus only on their own gain.
Kerala:
Public debt - Rs.2.94 lakh crore
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Additional liability of Rs.4842 crore if 300 units are made free
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90% of household consumption is less than 300 units
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Total domestic consumers in Kerala -1,03,61,608
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Users below three hundred units -96,12,636
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The average rate charged per unit is Rs.5.95
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Punjab:
Rs.3 lakh crore public debt
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Additional liability of Rs.5000 crore if 300 units are made free