Bengaluru witnessed a significant drop of 50,000 beneficiaries in the government’s Gruha Jyothi scheme compared to January, according to data from the Energy Department. The scheme, aimed at providing zero electricity bills to consumers using up to 200 units, saw a decline from 32,30,746 beneficiaries in January to 31,80,604 in February in the Bengaluru Metropolitan Area Zone (BMAZ) of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom).
The reduced number of beneficiaries is attributed to the soaring temperatures in Bengaluru, leading to increased usage of fans and air-conditioners (ACs). Many consumers, on the brink of the 200-unit limit, surpassed it due to heightened power consumption during the heat wave. However, officials from Bescom assure that once the summer months pass and consumption drops below 200 units, beneficiaries will regain their eligibility for the scheme.
Additionally, tenant turnover during house shifts may have impacted the subscriber count, although re-subscription processes are underway.
Residents, experiencing higher power usage due to the heat, anticipate a return to normal consumption levels once the rainy season commences.
