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AAP protests inflated power bills in Chandigarh, CPDL cites billing changes
Led by Chandigarh unit president of AAP, Vijaypal Singh, party leaders accused the authorities of burdening consumers through repeated tariff hikes
Alleging widespread mismanagement following the privatisation of electricity distribution, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday staged a protest outside the CPDL office in Sector 34, over rising tariffs, billing issues, and employee concerns. However CPDL has stated that the issues raised by the party were addressed during a meeting.
Led by Chandigarh unit president of AAP, Vijaypal Singh, party leaders accused the authorities of burdening consumers through repeated tariff hikes. They claimed that power rates had been increased in 2024–25, revised again in 2025, and further hiked from April 1, 2026. The reduction of the lower tariff slab from 0–150 units to 0–100 units, they said, has pushed many households into higher billing brackets. Additionally, a surcharge of nearly 20% during peak hours is further escalating costs.
AAP leaders also alleged that thousands of consumers received two electricity bills within a span of 15–20 days in March, terming it a case of “double billing.” The introduction of monthly billing from January 2026, they said, has disrupted household budgets, especially for middle- and lower-income families.
The party further claimed that Chandigarh, once known for uninterrupted power supply, is now witnessing unscheduled cuts lasting between two to six hours daily. It also flagged the imposition of unexplained “sundry charges” ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹22,000 on consumer bills.
Raising employee-related issues, AAP spokesperson Yogesh Dhingra alleged that several power sector employees are being denied pensions and other benefits post-privatisation, with some matters pending in court.
The party also questioned the disinvestment process, alleging that assets worth nearly ₹30,000 crore were handed over for ₹871 crore.
AAP leaders warned of intensifying protests if the issues are not addressed, asserting that the agitation could be escalated into a city-wide movement.
However, CPDL has stated that the issues raised by the party were addressed during a meeting. It clarified that it has transitioned from a bi-monthly billing system to a monthly billing cycle in compliance with directives issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC). Addressing complaints about consumers receiving two bills, the company explained that these pertained to two separate consumption periods—January and February—and did not involve any overlap.
On the issue of tariff hikes, CPDL maintained that it does not determine electricity rates. “As a power distribution company, CPDL only implements tariffs approved by JERC. Any revision in tariff is decided by the regulator,” officials said.
