The power purchase adjustment cost (PPAC) hike in Delhi has led to a blame game between the ruling AAP party and the opposition BJP. Delhi Power Minister Atishi has accused the Centre of mismanagement regarding the hike, while the BJP has blamed collusion between the AAP government and power discoms.
Atishi has charged that an artificial shortage in coal is driving up prices. The Centre is reportedly forcing power generation companies to buy at least 10% of imported coal, which is ten times more expensive than domestic coal. Delhi residents are being forced to bear the brunt of the central government’s coal crisis through the PPAC hike, with NTPC selling electricity to the city at a 25-50% hike over DERC stipulated rates.
The AAP party has taken issue with the Centre’s policies, claiming that they are solely responsible for the current situation. The BJP, on the other hand, has accused the AAP of collaborating with power discoms to push through the PPAC hike.
The ongoing battle between the two political parties is likely to continue until there is a resolution to the problem. Delhi residents are caught in the middle, with the hike affecting their daily lives and livelihoods. It remains to be seen who will emerge victorious in this political tussle and how it will impact the city’s residents. In the meantime, residents will have to brace themselves for potential changes and hope for a positive outcome.