Yadav slams BJP Govt for hike in PPAC surcharge

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav on Sunday lashed out at the BJP-led “triple engine” government for increasing the Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC) surcharge, calling it a fresh blow to city residents already reeling under financial strain.

Yadav accused the Rekha Gupta-led Delhi Government of following in the footsteps of the previous AAP regime by colluding with power distribution companies to “fleece” consumers.

“This hike is not only unjustified but also exposes the BJP’s double standards as its leaders had previously protested similar hikes during the Kejriwal government’s tenure,” he said.

The PPAC surcharge has been raised from 13.33 per cent to 19.22 per cent, a move that Yadav claims will further inflate electricity bills. He noted that this surcharge is in addition to existing energy, fixed, transmission, distribution and pension fund charges, adding to the growing cost burden on consumers.

Highlighting a pattern of similar increases under the AAP government, Yadav said the Kejriwal-led administration hiked PPAC multiple times since 2021, including a 9 per cent rise in July 2024 and 10 per cent in July 2022. “Both parties have a history of favouring discoms at the cost of the common man,” he alleged.

He also questioned the government’s silence on the CAG findings that reportedly pointed to irregularities and corruption in power distribution during the AAP government’s tenure.

Yadav criticised the BJP for failing to deliver on its pre-election promise of 300 units of free electricity. “Instead of fulfilling its commitment, the BJP government has imposed additional financial burdens while remaining silent on key issues like electricity dues, which have reached Rs 27,000 crore,” he said.

Further attacking the three-month-old government, the Congress leader listed price hike in cooking gas, milk, petrol and diesel as examples of what he termed an anti-people economic policy. “They promised Rs 2,500 monthly honorarium to women but have not moved an inch in that direction,” he said.

Delhi