Minister backs PSPCL for consumer-friendly services

Tribune News Service

Patiala, February 17

It is a matter of pride that today Punjab is self-reliant in power by providing uninterrupted electricity to its consumers. 

This was stated by Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy Sources Gurpreet Singh Kangar here today. 

“Besides supplying free power to agriculture consumers and providing uninterrupted eight hour supply during the paddy season, the Punjab Government introduced industry friendly policies, including a retail tariff of Rs 5 per unit and Rs 1.25 per unit rebate on consumption from 10 pm to 6 am (next day) during October 1 to March 31,” mentioned Kangar. 

“Such measures have yielded good result. So far, more than 10% increase in industrial consumption has been recorded during 2018-19,” he added in a release issued from Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters here today. 

“From the past few days, absolutely baseless and slandering campaign has been launched by some opportunist politically motivated persons in Punjab that electricity supply charges are high and inflated electricity bills are being issued to consumers. Whereas, correct and vetted electricity bills are being issued as per the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chandigarh, tariff order,” said Kangar. 

“In case of doubt, any consumer whose bill is not correct and is being charged more, may approach sub-division or register concerned with his complaint at 1912,” he added. 

“As per promise, the Punjab Government has made a provision for Rs 6,256 crore subsidy for agriculture consumers, Rs 1,440 crore subsidy for industrial consumers, Rs 1,253 crore subsidy to the SC, non-SC BPL, backward classes and freedom fighters and domestic consumers. In all, about Rs 9,000 crore subsidy for 2018-19 is being given,” he claimed.