The power discoms in Delhi will be able to purchase 1,000 MW clean electricity by 2019, a major step towards implementing the AAP government's solar policy.
Making the announcement here today, Delhi Power minister Satyender Jain said if needed, the city government will get more clean energy to keep air pollution in check.
"Discussions with the three discoms were on for nearly six months and they have agreed. In-principle agreement has been made. One thousand MW clean energy will be purchased for Delhi," he said.
The government had in June last approved the Delhi Solar Energy Policy, aimed at generating 1,000 MW solar power by 2020.
The central government agency, Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited, will be the nodal agency for undertaking tendering process for the project.
The minister said it was expected that the clean electricity cost will be below Rs 3 per unit.
"Our expectation is that the cost will be below Rs 3 per unit. The average cost of purchase of electricity in Delhi is at present about Rs 5.50 per unit," Jain said.
The AAP-led government is also planning to provide subsidy to farmers for purchasing solar pumps for irrigation purposes.
The power distribution companies- BYPL, BRPL and Tata Power DDL- will introduce pre-paid electricity meters for tenants within next three months, Jain said.
Shops and cottage enterprises in residential areas using up to 5 KW connections will be treated under 'domestic category', bringing down power bills of poor people involved in livelihood activities, he said.
"This decision will be implemented soon to benefit around 5 lakh people in residential areas," he said.
The relief to small traders and manufacturers in residential areas was announced by the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) in its tariff schedule for 2017-18.
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