Punjab Power Crisis: Navjot Singh Sidhu proposes to reduce power tariff to Rs 5 per unit

Amid Punjab power crisis, Navjot Singh Sidhu on Sunday took to his official Twitter handle and said though state provides 9,000 crore subsidy, Punjab government should do more for domestic and industrial consumers by giving power at Rs 3-5 per unit inste of a surcharge inflated Rs 10-12 per unit, along with 24-hour supply with power-cuts and free power (upto300 units). "It is definitely achievable," he ded. 

Navjot Sigh Sidhu on Punjab power crisis

In ar subsequent tweet, Navjot Singh Sidhu said, people should start with Congress High Command's Pro-People 18 point nda and get rid of faulty un-negotiable power purchase agreements signed by Bal through 'New Legislation in Punjab Vidhan Sabha' by fixing rates as per National Power Exchange with fixed charges. 

Navjot Singh Sidhu owes Rs 8 lakhs in power bills

In a massive embarrassment for Congress MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu, sources reported on Saturday, that Amritsar East MLA has t paid power bills for his Amritsar residence in  past eight months. As per his bill, accessed by Republic, Sidhu owes Rs 8,67,540 to Punjab state power board. Sidhu h waxed on about 'saving power', vising CM to cut down on power costs, tweeting several rical suggestions. Congress is witnessing massive revolt in Punjab as Sidhu and his supporters have lambasted CM who has w been hauled in front of High Command.

Sidhu Vs Capt's 'Power' tussle

On Friday, Sidhu lashed out at Capt Amarinder Singh government for 8-hour power cuts in Punjab, explaining trouble in Punjab's power model in a string of tweets. Sidhu, who has been criticising incumbent CM continuously, has suggested that Solar & Biomass energy gas which remain untapped in Punjab.  Both Akali Dal and AAP have taken to streets, protesting power cut.

Sidhu argued that Punjab purchased power at higher rates (Rs 4.54 per unit) compared to national aver (Rs 3.85 per unit) due to government's over-dependence on three private rmal power plants which sell power at Rs 5-8 per unit. Lashing at Bal govt for locking Punjab govt in power purchase agreements, he claimed that state govt owed Rs 65,000 crores in fixed charges to se power companies. While renegotiating with companies is t an option, Sidhu claimed a 'way forward'.

Suggesting a rical policy shift, he claimed that Punjab govt must bring a law capping power purchase costs to those on National Power Exchange at any time, with a retrospective effect. Claiming that Punjab h untapped solar and biomass generation potential, he turned down AAP's offer of 'free power to all'. Pointing out that Punjab alrey gave Rs 9000 crores in power subsidies, he said that power must be mand better.

Punjab power crisis

Punjab government on Thursday reduced timings of government offices and ordered cut down on power supply to high energy-consuming industries as electricity demand in state soared to over 14,000 MW a day. On Wednesday, power demand peaked at 14,142 MW against supply of 12,842 MW, leaving a gap of 1,300 MW, an official of state-owned power utility PSPCL h said. So far, re is decision on banning use of air conditioners (ACs) in government offices, which will function from 8 am to 2 pm from Friday till furr orders, an official spokesperson said. spokesperson said Chief Minister Amarinder Singh appealed to all government offices to make judicious use of electricity, ding that situation is dire as peak demand in state has touched a whopping 14,500 MW.

(Im: PTI)