Delhi discoms have flagged a ₹3,000 crore revenue gap for the 2022-23 fiscal. In petitions filed with the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC), the discoms have stressed the need for cost-reflective tariffs to tackle mounting financial pressures. With DERC reviewing tariffs for the 2024-25 fiscal, these petitions highlight the critical challenges faced by power companies in maintaining sustainable operations.
The revenue gap reflects years of stagnant electricity rates in Delhi, which have remained unchanged since 2014. The discoms argue that this has hindered their ability to recover costs and deliver reliable power services to the city.
Delhi discoms highlight revenue challenges
The petitions filed by Delhi’s three major discoms—BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL)—reveal a combined revenue gap of ₹3,162 crore for 2022-23.
- BRPL: Needed ₹12,116 crore but recovered ₹10,419 crore.
- BYPL: Needed ₹6,141 crore but recovered ₹5,530 crore.
- TPDDL: Needed ₹9,264 crore but recovered ₹8,410 crore.
Looking ahead, the discoms project an even larger gap of ₹8,552 crore for 2024-25.
Delhi discoms seek fair tariffs
To close the revenue gap, Delhi discoms have proposed several tariff revisions, including linking rates to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and introducing surcharges for excess electricity use. They also seek parity with other states for EV charging tariffs and suggest removing caps on short-term power purchase adjustments.
TPDDL has additionally recommended mandatory online payments for bills above ₹4,000 and the introduction of a green power tariff for smaller consumers.
Stakeholders respond to Delhi discoms’ plea
DERC has uploaded the proposals for public review, inviting comments from stakeholders, including consumers. This feedback will shape the final decision on power tariffs for the 2024-25 fiscal.
As Delhi discoms flag a ₹3,000 crore revenue gap, their call for fair tariffs underscores the pressing need for reforms to secure the city’s power future.
