71 lakh domestic consumers avail benefit of zero bill in FY 2023-24: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Chandigarh: Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO on Tuesday said that a total of 70,86,273 domestic consumers in the state have been exempted from their electricity bills under the ‘Zero Bill’ scheme till date during the current fiscal year 2023-24. The relief of free power of 300 units per month and 600 units per billing cycle was extended to 77,23,309 domestic consumers of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).

The Power Minister said that this represents a significant increase from the 22,48,065 consumers who benefited of 200 units of free power supply per month in the fiscal year 2021-22. He stated that this initiative has been instrumental in providing relief to 90 percent domestic consumers, particularly in the face of rising inflation and energy costs.

Divulging district wise detail of beneficiaries, Power Minister said that 7,43,631 domestic consumers from Ludhiana, 5,21,301 from Patiala, 5,15,352 from Amritsar, 4,60,033 from Hoshiarpur, 4,13,788 from Sri Muktsar Sahib,3,96,757 from Gurdaspur, 3,95,369 from Jalandhar, 3,78,330 from Ropar, 3,30,010 from TarnTaran, 3,01,901, from Kapurthala, 2,96, 757 from SBS Nagar, 2,88,499 from SAS Nagar, 2,83,177 from Bathinda, 2,57, 264 from Sri Fatehgarh Sahib, 2,35,670 from Sangrur, 2,13,871 from Moga, 1,93,159 from Ferozpur, 1,98,061 from Barnala, 1,88,785 from Mansa, 1,70,039 from Pathankot, 1,42,580 from Faridkot, 97,553 from Malerkotla and 64,386 from Fazilka received zero power bill in FY 2024-25.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it is a testament to the government’s pro-people policies and its dedication to ensuring energy accessibility and affordability for all.