Figures Speak for Themselves: In AAP Government 11.40 Crore Zero Bills, Also Provided Free Electricity to 13.50 Lakh Farmers: Harmeet Singh Sandhu

Tarn Taran (The Uttam Hindu): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) senior leader and candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu said that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has written a new chapter in the administrative history of the state by successfully implementing the ‘Zero Power Bill Guarantee.’ He said this is not merely an election promise, but a revolutionary step that has permanently lifted a huge financial burden off the lives of common people. Sandhu stated that today, 90% of Punjab’s households receive zero electricity bills, which stands as living proof of the AAP government’s honesty, intention, and effective policy.

Releasing the official figures, Sandhu said that the greatest evidence of this scheme’s success is that from July 2022 (when the scheme was launched) till October 31, 2025, the Punjab government has issued a total of 11,39,43,344 (around 11.40 crore) zero electricity bills. Alongside this, a total of 13,46,32,343 (over 13.46 crore) consumers have benefitted from subsidized power. He added that in just one billing cycle of August-September 2025, zero bills were issued to 73,87,460 households.

Sandhu said that under this scheme, ordinary families are saving ₹1500 to ₹2000 every month, which they are now able to spend on their children’s education and other family needs. He said this is not a one-time relief but the outcome of a strong and sustainable government policy. During the financial year 2023-24, a total of 3,59,59,088 (around 3.60 crore) zero bills were issued, and in the financial year 2024-25, the trend continued with 3,45,77,832 (around 3.46 crore) zero bills issued.

Targeting the previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments, Sandhu asked why those parties could never provide such relief if the AAP government can make 90% of Punjab’s bills zero. He said the truth is that they neither had the political will nor the vision to make people-centric policies. Sandhu accused the former governments of looting Punjab’s treasury for personal interests and said they never made any serious effort to reduce the financial burden of electricity bills on ordinary citizens.

Harmeet Singh Sandhu said that under the ‘Roshan Punjab Mission’, the Mann government is not only lighting up homes but also strengthening Punjab’s backbone, its farmers. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring uninterrupted free power to 13.50 lakh farmers, helping reduce their input costs and increase their income.

Giving details of the scheme, Sandhu said that it is not merely a “free” policy but a smart and well-planned initiative. For consumption up to 600 units, the bill amount is “zero,” and consumers are exempt from not only the electricity rate but also fixed charges, meter rent, or any other tax.

In conclusion, Sandhu said that these 11.40 crore zero bills and relief provided to 90% of households clearly indicate that a new era of governance has begun in Punjab. “This is the Punjab Model, based not on hollow promises but on solid guarantees,” Sandhu asserted.