The Delhi government has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for consumers to avail benefits under its power subsidy scheme, as reported by Money Control. According to a recent notification issued by the Power Department on September 30, the government deems it necessary to establish beneficiary identity as a condition for receiving subsidy benefits. The notification directs implementing agencies to publicise the information so that beneficiaries are aware of the new condition. Individuals must furnish proof of possession of a bona fide Aadhaar number to access the scheme benefits, with the expenditure on the electricity subsidy scheme being met from the Consolidated Fund of Delhi. The notification states that the move aims to establish beneficiaries' identities and ensure the targeted delivery of subsidies.
Under the Delhi government scheme, consumers receive 200 units of electricity per month free of cost, while those consuming 201 to 400 units get a 50 per cent subsidy capped at ₹800 per month, according to Money Control. The electricity subsidy scheme is administered through Delhi distribution companies including BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Military Engineer Services (MES). The requirement will apply to beneficiaries covered by these subsidy schemes in their respective areas. The notification states that consumers seeking the benefit must furnish proof of their Aadhaar number through a web portal or any other mode prescribed by the government.
The Delhi government is preparing to launch an Aadhaar-based opt-in system for power subsidy benefits, with the portal expected to be launched in November 2026 after new rules are framed, as reported by The Times of India. According to officials, the system will allow consumers to opt in or opt out of subsidy benefits based on their financial capacity. The move addresses the issue of many consumers who can afford to pay bills but continue receiving subsidies, as well as dormant consumers who need verification. Under the new system, one consumer with one Aadhaar number may be allowed subsidy for multiple connections, marking a significant shift from the current subsidy allocation based solely on consumer numbers.
Power consumers in Delhi have increased by nearly 40 per cent in the last decade, currently standing at over 73 lakh, as reported by Money Control. In 2024-25, around 84 per cent (52.3 lakh) of 73 lakh domestic consumers availed power subsidy, which rose to 87 per cent (55 lakh) in 2025-26. The Delhi government's allocation for power subsidy reached ₹4,037.63 crore by February 2026, with a budgeted allocation of ₹3,500 crore for the current financial year 2026-27. The scheme's cost rose from ₹2,405.59 crore in 2019-20 to ₹3,161 crore in 2022-23, accounting for up to 70.39% of Delhi's total subsidy expense, according to a Comptroller and Auditor General report tabled in August.
Under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor has notified that individuals must furnish their Aadhaar number on the web portal or any other mode decided by the government, according to Money Control. Consumers without Aadhaar enrolment in Delhi must apply for it and submit the requisite details with the 14-digit Enrolment ID number to avail subsidy benefits. The power department and its implementing agencies have been directed to publicise the Aadhaar requirement widely through the media to ensure beneficiaries are aware of the new provision. A dedicated online portal will soon be introduced to streamline the process, with consumers required to renew their choice every year to continue receiving the subsidy, officials said. The notification does not specify a deadline for existing beneficiaries to submit their Aadhaar details nor does it spell out a separate procedure for consumers already receiving the benefit.
