Patna: The Bihar government’s 125-unit free electricity scheme has brought big savings for many people across the state. Consumers using up to 125 units of electricity every month are now paying little or nothing in their electricity bills. On average, households are saving between Rs 500 and Rs 700 every month. In rural areas, the savings are also more than Rs 300.
However, tenants in Patna and other cities are not able to enjoy this benefit. Most rented homes have only one main electricity meter in the name of the landlord. Tenants get electricity through sub-meters, which are not officially recognised by the electricity department. Because the free electricity is given only on the main meter, the savings go only to the house owner.
Many tenants say they are still paying full electricity bills even though they use less than 125 units a month. Roshan Singh, a tenant in Patel Nagar, said he pays between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 every month for 100 to 120 units. He went to the electricity office, but officials told him that sub-meters are not eligible for the scheme. Only consumer numbers linked to main meters get free electricity.
Officials say tenants can get the benefit if they apply for a separate electricity connection in their name. But for this, they need a rent agreement and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the landlord. Many tenants do not have these documents or find the process too difficult. Until a better system is made, most tenants will continue to miss out on the scheme.
