Patna, Feb 24 (FN Bureau) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar categorically cleared that instead of providing electricity free of cost he was in favour of giving it at a cheaper rate to the consumers.The chief minister, in response to opposition demands for free electricity, argued that instead of offering it at a free rate, he was offering it at a cheaper rate, even after purchasing energy at higher rates, stating that the charges were solely for consumer security.In some of the states, the electricity has been made free, which was improper, he maintained. During the government’s reply to the budgetary demands of Energy and other departments for the financial year 2024–25, the opposition members demanded to make electricity free of charge.While replying to the debate, Bihar Energy Minister Vijendra Prasad Yadav suggested the opposition compare the energy bills of Bihar with those of the other states, and if they were found to be higher, the charges would be slashed. He lambasted the opposition for making rubbish comments and demands.
The state government is providing subsidies to consumers, which is causing a significant financial burden.Remaining dissatisfied with the reply of the government, the opposition staged a walkout from the lower house.Earlier, Yadav reported that Bihar energy power consumer and distribution companies registered a profit of Rs 215 crore in the 2022–23 financial year, placing them among the country’s top five profit-making companies.The subsidy amount increased from Rs 6500 crore in 2021–22 to Rs 7801 crore in 2022–23 and Rs 13114 crore in 2023–24. He hoped that power companies would be profitable in the next two financial years. South Bihar Power Distribution Company and North Bihar Power Distribution Company have improved to grade B from grade C in 2023, according to the consumer service rating, he added. The transmission companies had been getting A grades for the past 4 to 5 years.
To save energy costs, the agricultural feeders were connected to solar power. For environmental conservation, the government is promoting solar energy, under which a solar power plant with capacity of 35 megawatt has been installed so far on 3416 government buildings. In the next two financial years, solar power plants with 65 megawatt capacity will be installed on 9000 government buildings, he announced. In the second phase, solar plants will be installed at all Anganwadi and primary centres. Bihar is the first state in the country to introduce a smart prepaid metre installation scheme, and 28 lakh smart prepaid meters have so far been installed.Later, the house passed the budgetary demands of Rs 11422 crore (67 lakh, 80 thousand) for the Energy Department for the financial year 2024–25 with a voice vote.