Aadhaar mandatory for free electricity: Full details inside

CHENNAI: In a move to identify consumers with multiple connections, the State government has mandated linking of Aadhaar with electricity consumer number to avail subsidy, including 100 free units of power for domestic consumers and free electricity for farmers.

A government order dated October 6 issued by Energy Department said that an eligible individual desirous of availing benefits is required to furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication. Consumers, who does not possess an Aadhaar number or has not yet enrolled for Aadhaar should apply for enrolment.

Until the Aadhaar generated for individual, benefits will be given if the consumer has enrolled and submit enrolment slip or request made for enrollment. Such consumers should also submit anyone of the photo identity cards.

As per the order, the new mandate will be applicable for availing free 100 units bimonthly in all slabs and reduction of tariff above 100 units upto 200 units bimonthly for domestic consumers consuming upto 500 units bimonthly. It is also applicable for free supply of electricity for those in hut dwelments, free supply for agricultural purpose in respect to low tension and high tension lift irrigation, reduction of tarrif upto 120 units bimonthly for all low tension actual places of public worship, free first 750 units bimonthly and reduction of tariff for above 750 units bimonthly for power loom consumers, and free 200 units bimonthly for handloom consumers.

Tangedco sources said that Aadhaar would help identify consumers with multiple connections in same building. In the past, several domestic consumers living in individual houses have got second connection to make use of the 100 free units and to bring down the energy bills.