The Delhi government has made Aadhaar-based identification mandatory for consumers seeking benefits under its electricity subsidy scheme, amid a steady increase in the number of beneficiaries and mounting expenditure on subsidised power.
According to a notification issued by the Power Department, consumers will now be required to furnish their Aadhaar number to establish their identity before receiving the subsidy. Those without Aadhaar enrolment in Delhi will have to apply for it and submit the prescribed enrolment details.
The decision comes as the government's expenditure on electricity subsidies continues to place a substantial burden on the exchequer. Official figures show that the allocation for power subsidies had reached โน4,037.63 crore by February 2026, while โน3,500 crore has been budgeted for the current financial year, 2026-27.
The number of electricity consumers in the national capital has increased by nearly 40% over the past decade, reaching more than 73 lakh.
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According to official data, approximately 52.3 lakh domestic electricity consumers, accounting for around 84% of the relevant consumer base, availed the power subsidy in 2024-25.
The number increased to nearly 55 lakh in 2025-26, representing about 87% of domestic consumers covered by the scheme.
The figures indicate a continued expansion in subsidy coverage, adding to the government's financial commitments towards providing affordable electricity.
Under the existing scheme, domestic consumers using up to 200 units of electricity per month receive their power supply free of cost.
Those consuming between 201 and 400 units per month are eligible for a 50% subsidy on their electricity bills, subject to a maximum benefit of โน800 per month.
The subsidy is provided through electricity distribution companies operating in different parts of Delhi.
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The Power Department's notification states that the government considers it necessary to establish the identity of beneficiaries as a condition for receiving financial assistance under the electricity subsidy scheme.
It requires eligible consumers to furnish proof of possession of a valid Aadhaar number.
Acting under Section 7 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the Delhi Lieutenant Governor has notified that individuals seeking benefits under the scheme must provide their Aadhaar number through a designated web portal or another mode prescribed by the government.
Consumers who have not enrolled for Aadhaar in Delhi will be required to apply for enrolment and submit the necessary information along with their 14-digit Enrolment ID.
The notification provides an enrolment-based route for consumers who do not yet possess an Aadhaar number.
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The electricity subsidy scheme is administered through Delhi's distribution companies and other authorised electricity suppliers in their respective service areas.
These include BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL), BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Military Engineer Services (MES).
The notification establishes Aadhaar identification as a requirement for receiving subsidy benefits through these agencies.
The government has maintained that the use of Aadhaar will help streamline beneficiary identification and reduce the need for multiple documents during verification.
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According to the notification, Aadhaar-based identification is intended to enable individuals to receive subsidies and other government benefits through a more convenient and transparent system.
It states that using Aadhaar can eliminate the need to furnish multiple identity documents, simplify administrative procedures and improve efficiency in the delivery of benefits.
The government has also emphasised the importance of ensuring reliable identification of beneficiaries as the number of subsidised electricity consumers continues to grow.
The latest requirement introduces an additional verification step for consumers seeking to avail themselves of the scheme, while retaining the existing subsidy structure of free electricity up to 200 units and partial financial assistance for consumption between 201 and 400 units.
The notification does not specify a deadline by which existing beneficiaries must complete Aadhaar verification or clarify whether subsidy payments will be affected during the transition.
With nearly 55 lakh consumers receiving subsidised electricity in 2025-26, implementation of the new identification requirement will affect a substantial proportion of Delhi's domestic electricity consumers.