Chandigarh, April 1: Following the privatization of electricity distribution in Chandigarh, growing mismanagement, repeated tariff hikes, double billing, unscheduled power cuts, arbitrary charges, and now the exploitation of employees have sparked massive outrage. In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh today held a strong protest outside the CPDL office in Sector 34 against the BJP administration and the private company. The protest was led by party president Vijaypal Singh.
Senior Observer Gurpreet Singh G.P., senior leader Prem Garg, Jeevan Singh Ghai, SC Wing President Deshraj, Youth Wing President and Councillor Ramchand Yadav, Councillor Yogesh Dhingra, Ajit Singh, Shadab Rathi, Yogesh Soni, Abhiman Yadav, Rajesh Chaudhary, Ravi Mani, Meena Sharma, Mewa Lal Daler, Advocate Gagandeep Singh, Jagpal Singh Jagga (Rural President), Councillor Munawwar Khan, Shakeel (Minority Wing Vice President), Happy, Gurpreet Bagheri, Kuldeep Kumar, P.P. Ghai, Women’s Wing President Sukhraj Kaur Sandhu, Gurdev Yadav, Councillor Yogesh Dhingra (Spokesperson), Vijay Kumar, Geeta Devi, Neelam, Sunny Bairwa, Khurcha, Ajit, Rural Wing President Jagga, J.D. Ghai, Vikrant A Tanwar (State Media In-charge), along with hundreds of dedicated workers participated and raised strong slogans against BJP.
During the protest, leaders stated that electricity tariffs have been continuously increased over the past few years. Tariffs were raised in 2024–25, increased again in 2025, and now new rates have been implemented from April 1, 2026. The earlier affordable slab of 0–150 units has been reduced to 0–100 units, pushing common consumers into higher tariff brackets. Additionally, under Peak Hours (ToD), nearly 20% extra surcharge is being imposed, directly burdening the public.
Leaders alleged that in March, thousands of consumers received electricity bills twice within just 15–20 days, clearly indicating a “double billing scam.” For already inflation-hit poor and middle-class families, paying bills twice a month has become extremely difficult. Furthermore, from January 2026, monthly billing has been implemented, completely disturbing household budgets.
AAP leaders also stated that Chandigarh, once known for uninterrupted 24-hour power supply, is now witnessing daily unscheduled power cuts ranging from 2 to 6 hours. The system that functioned efficiently before privatization has now collapsed. Moreover, under the name of “sundry charges,” additional amounts ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹22,000 are being added to bills without clear explanation, which is a direct fraud on consumers.
During the protest, spokesperson Yogesh Dhingra raised another serious concern, highlighting the exploitation of electricity employees after privatization. Hundreds of employees are being denied pensions and other service benefits, while HRA and other payments remain pending. The matter has even reached the courts. AAP stated that this situation proves that not only the public but also employees have become insecure after privatization.
AAP leaders strongly attacked the BJP government, alleging that a profit-making electricity department with assets worth approximately ₹30,000 crore was handed over to a private company for just ₹871 crore, calling it “the biggest scam of the century.”
On this occasion, President Vijaypal Singh said:
“BJP has turned the people of Chandigarh into an ATM for a private company. Electricity rates are being increased every few months, bills are being issued every month, and now even twice within 15 days. On top of that, 6-hour power cuts have made life miserable. We want to clearly state that AAP stands firmly with electricity employees who once ensured uninterrupted supply but are now struggling for their rights.”
AAP also drew a comparison with neighboring Punjab, where major relief is being provided to citizens. Domestic consumers receive up to 300 units of free electricity, and tariffs for 2026–27 have been reduced by ₹1 to ₹1.50 per unit. While bills up to 300 units are zero in Punjab, Chandigarh residents are pushed into higher slabs after just 100 units.
Concluding on the issue, State Media In-charge Vikrant A Tanwar said:
“The gap between BJP’s words and actions is clearly visible. While people in Punjab are receiving free and affordable electricity, in Chandigarh both citizens and employees are being exploited through CPDL. Repeated tariff hikes, reduced slabs, double billing, arbitrary charges, and power cuts together amount to corporate loot. If these decisions are not rolled back immediately, AAP will intensify this movement and force the BJP administration to step back.”
AAP Chandigarh has issued a clear warning that the protest will continue until relief is provided to both the public and employees, and it will be escalated into a city-wide movement if necessary.
