The Half Electricity Bill Scheme was launched by the Chhattisgarh government on 1st March 2019 to provide 50% discount on electricity bills to domestic consumers for monthly consumption up to 400 units. This scheme aims to benefit the poor, needy and middle class families in the state. So far, over 65 lakh families have availed discounts under this scheme.
Details of the Scheme
Under this scheme, domestic consumers get 50% discount on their electricity bill based on the effective electricity rate for consumption up to 400 units per month. Earlier they had to pay Rs. 4.50 per unit, but now only Rs. 2.50 per unit needs to be paid. There should be no outstanding dues on the electricity bill to avail this discount. This scheme has benefited nearly 42 lakh domestic consumers and 17 lakh BPL consumers in Chhattisgarh.
| Beneficiary Category | No. of Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Domestic consumers | 42 lakh |
| BPL consumers | 17 lakh |
Objectives of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Half Electricity Bill Scheme are:
- Provide 50% subsidy on electricity bills to domestic consumers for monthly consumption up to 400 units
- Give relief to poor, needy and middle class families on their electricity expenses
- Motivate defaulters to pay their pending bills on time
Over 65 lakh families in Chhattisgarh have benefited through subsidized electricity bills under this scheme.
Benefits to Consumers
Under this scheme, the Chhattisgarh government has provided subsidies worth Rs. 3236.59 crores to domestic consumers by giving 50% discounts on their electricity bills. The number of domestic electricity connections also increased from 25.23 lakhs to 42 lakhs in 4 years after the launch of this scheme. Consumers need to clear any pending dues first to get 50% off on their monthly bills up to 400 units of consumption.
How to Avail the Benefits
Consumers do not need to apply separately for this scheme. The discount will automatically reflect in their electricity bill generated through spot billing machines. The software in these machines has been updated to calculate 50% off on bills for monthly consumption up to 400 units. If any bill is pending, only that will be generated. Once dues are cleared, bills with 50% discount will be provided.
Conclusion
The Half Electricity Bill Scheme has provided huge relief to domestic consumers in Chhattisgarh by reducing their electricity expenses. It has benefited over 65 lakh families so far through discounted bills for consumption up to 400 units per month. The simple and automated process helps consumers easily avail the subsidies without any application process.
FAQ
Q1: Who launched the Half Electricity Bill Scheme in Chhattisgarh?
A1: This scheme was launched by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on 1st March 2019.
Q2: How many families have benefited from this scheme until now?
A2: More than 65 lakh families have benefited from discounted electricity bills under this scheme so far.
Q3: What is the monthly consumption limit to get 50% discount?
A3: Consumers can get 50% discount on their bills for monthly electricity consumption up to 400 units.
Q4: Do consumers need to apply for this scheme?
A4: No application is required. The discount gets automatically reflected in the bill generated through spot billing machines.
Q5: Can I get the discount if my previous bills are pending?
A5: Consumers need to first clear any outstanding dues on their account to avail discount on their current bill.
Q6: How much subsidy has been provided under this scheme until now?
A6: The Chhattisgarh government has provided subsidies worth Rs. 3236.59 crores by offering 50% discount to consumers.
