New Delhi: Fulfilling another poll promise, chief minister Bhupesh Baghel announced the reduction of electricity bills of all domestic consumers for consumption up to 400 units. A provision of Rs 400 crore was made in this regard.

“A consumer would get an automated 50% reduction in electricity bill for consumption up to 400 units,” the chief minister said while presenting the budget in Vidhan Sabha on Friday. Briefing reporters later he explained that any consumption above 400 units would be charged on normal rates.

In view of re-stationing for power supply, the budget proposed a new provision of Rs50 crore for establishment of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system in Raipur, Durg-Bhilai and Bilaspur industrial areas. This will be followed by setting-up of smart meters in four cities with an allowance of Rs33 crore.

In accordance with the new parameters set by environment, forest and climate change Ministry, there is a provision of Rs95.4 crores for the amount of equity to set up flue-gas desulfurization plant at four units of Hasdeo power plant.