How AAP’s Delhi Model Kept Electricity Affordable for a Decade (2015-2024)

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Research by Aero Nutist| May12, 2025

Imagine a city where electricity is not just reliable but also affordable for every household. That’s the Delhi Model, crafted by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from 2015 to 2024. For nearly a decade, AAP ensured that Delhiites enjoyed stable electricity rates, free power for low usage, and uninterrupted 24/7 supply. But now, with the BJP government in power since February 2025, electricity bills have spiked by 7-10%, raising fears of soaring costs and unreliable power. Let’s dive into how AAP’s visionary policies transformed Delhi’s power sector and why the recent changes are causing concern.

The Delhi Model: A Game-Changer for Affordable Power

The Delhi Model is more than a policy—it’s a promise to the common man. When AAP came to power in 2015, they introduced groundbreaking measures to make electricity accessible and affordable. One of their flagship initiatives was providing free electricity for up to 200 units and a 50% subsidy for 201-400 units. According to The Hindu, over 22 lakh families benefited from this scheme, paying zero or minimal bills.

Unlike other states where power bills burn a hole in your pocket, AAP kept the base tariff unchanged for nearly a decade. For instance, the rate for 201-400 units was around ₹4.5 in 2018 and only marginally increased to ₹5 by 2024, as noted by NoBroker. This stability was no accident—it was the result of AAP’s relentless audits of power distribution companies to prevent unjust profits.

24/7 Power Supply: AAP’s Commitment to Reliability

Gone are the days of frequent power cuts in Delhi. AAP ensured a 24/7 electricity supply, a feat that made Delhi a shining example for other Indian cities. India Today highlights how this reliability transformed the lives of Delhiites, from small businesses to households. Whether it was summer or winter, AAP’s focus on infrastructure upgrades and efficient power management kept the lights on.

Why Did Bills Stay Low? AAP’s Smart Governance

AAP’s leadership, filled with educated professionals and engineers, wasn’t just about promises—it was about action. They conducted regular audits to ensure power companies didn’t exploit consumers. By keeping a close eye on the Power Purchase Adjustment Cost (PPAC), AAP minimized unnecessary surcharges. Even when PPAC rose due to global coal prices in 2023 (up to 9.42% for BYPL, per The Economic Times), AAP shielded consumers by maintaining subsidies and stable base tariffs.

This wasn’t just governance—it was empathy. AAP understood that rising power bills hurt the common man the most. Their policies ensured that even families consuming over 400 units didn’t face steep hikes, keeping electricity a right, not a luxury.

The BJP Era: A 7-10% Bill Hike and Growing Fears

Fast forward to 2025, and the picture is changing. After BJP’s victory in the Delhi elections (Wikipedia), electricity bills have reportedly surged by 7-10%, largely due to higher PPAC charges. While base tariffs haven’t changed yet, Delhi’s Power Minister Ashish Sood has hinted at future hikes, citing a ₹27,000 crore debt left by AAP, as reported by Business Standard. But is this debt the full story, or a convenient excuse to burden Delhiites?

The truth is, PPAC charges skyrocketed to 37.75% for BYPL and 35.83% for BRPL by mid-2024, even under AAP, due to external factors like coal prices. Yet, AAP cushioned this blow with subsidies. Now, with BJP in power, there’s no clarity on whether these subsidies will continue. Worse, there’s growing fear that 24/7 power supply could falter if costs are deemed “too high” for the government, as warned by The Hindu.

Why AAP’s Delhi Model Still Matters

The Delhi Model wasn’t just about cheap electricity—it was about dignity. AAP’s policies empowered millions to live without the fear of unaffordable bills or blackouts. Their engineer-led leadership brought transparency, accountability, and innovation to governance. In contrast, the BJP’s early moves suggest a shift toward higher costs, with little assurance of maintaining AAP’s legacy of reliability and affordability.

As Delhiites brace for potentially higher bills, it’s worth remembering AAP’s decade-long fight for the common man. The Delhi Model proved that governance can be both efficient and compassionate. Will BJP rise to the challenge, or will Delhi’s power sector lose its shine? Only time will tell, but AAP’s legacy remains a benchmark for what’s possible.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about the recent electricity bill hikes? Did AAP’s Delhi Model make a difference in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!