NEW DELHI: The city’s middle class and upper middle class hardly benefit from the AAP government ’s new power subsidy regime, many RWA members complained on Wednesday. The government, though, insisted that up to 90% of consumers stand to gain.

“It is not possible that 36 lakh out of 40 lakh Delhi power consumers use up to 400 units. Who are those actually gaining from this subsidy…Suppose a landlord has multiple tenants, each with a sub-meter, the tenants’ consumption would remain within 400 units. But since the bills go to the main tenant, it’ll cross the 400-unit threshold. Everyone will end up paying full tariff,’’ explained Rajiv Kakria, member of GK I RWA.

B S Vohra from East Delhi Joint Front RWAs added: “There’s no way so many people will benefit from this, as the government claims. Cross 400 units by a single unit, and you end up paying full tariff. How many can actually check consumption so often?’’

While the Delhi discoms ’ average consumption has risen 10%-16% annually, some experts said the average consumer’s power use too has steadily gone up. “Cheap power doesn’t mean savings for most families. It means many families will draw more power at the same rates they were paying. Instead of taking the subsidy route, the government should’ve figured out how bills could be reduced through judicious power use,’’ said Vipin Mittal, a Vasant Kunj resident.

Many residents said if one uses ACs regularly, consumption would breach 400 units. “What will happen in summers? Who will stay within 400 units? On what basis does the government claim 90% benefits,’’ asked a resident of Green Park. The government is silent on how the subsidy will be financed. Many power experts slammed the government saying giving 50% subsidy was against the interests of the sector.