Delhi govt makes Aadhaar identification mandatory for power subsidy scheme

Delhi government has made Aadhaar identification mandatory for consumers to avail the benefits of its power subsidy scheme amid a steady rise in beneficiaries and a burgeoning power subsidy bill borne by the exchequer.

According to official figures, by February 2026, the Delhi government's allocation for power subsidy reached Rs 4,037.63 crore.

For the current financial year (2026-27), the government has budgeted Rs 3,500 crore for this purpose.

Power consumers in Delhi rose by nearly 40 per cent in the last decade, currently standing at over 73 lakh.

In 2024-25, around 84 per cent (52.3 lakh) of 73 lakh domestic consumers availed power subsidy in Delhi, which rose to 87 per cent (55 lakh) in 2025-26, according to official data.

Under the Delhi government scheme, consumers are provided 200 units of electricity per month free of cost.

Those consuming 201 to 400 units of electricity get a 50 per cent subsidy (capped at Rs 800) per month.

According to a recent notification issued by