Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday that households in the capital using less than 200 units of electricity a month would not have to pay for it. The announcement was widely seen as a pre-election offer to voters.

What was announced

• Consumers using less than 200 units a month will get free electricity.
• Those using between 201 and 400 units will receive a 50 per cent subsidy from the Delhi government.

At a press conference, Kejriwal said Delhi already had the lowest electricity prices in the country and described the scheme as further relief for residents. The move was viewed as an effort to reinforce his “aam aadmi” image before the assembly polls.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia backed the decision on Twitter within minutes of the announcement, saying a basic amount of power to run lights and fans was essential for every family to live with dignity, much like good schooling and healthcare.

What happened next

In the 2020 Delhi assembly election, the Aam Aadmi Party won 62 seats and the BJP 8, and Arvind Kejriwal continued as Chief Minister.

See also: Aam Aadmi Party and Elections.

Originally published on 1 August 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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