KTR opposes proposed electricity hike, calls it a burden on public, industry

HYDERABAD: BRS Working President K Taraka Rama Rao voiced strong opposition to the proposed electricity tariff hike in Telangana, calling it a significant burden on the public and industrial sectors.

Addressing the media at Telangana Bhavan, KTR revealed that the state’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs) had submitted nine proposals to increase charges, which would heavily impact consumers if implemented.

KTR expressed particular concern about the proposal to raise fixed charges from Rs 10 to Rs 50 for households consuming over 300 units per month, describing it as a dangerous move that would hurt common people’s financial stability. "This one decision alone could plunge many households into financial difficulty," KTR warned.

He also criticised the idea of setting a uniform tariff for all industries, calling it irrational and harmful to the state's industrial growth. "Such an absurd policy would be a setback for Telangana's progress," KTR remarked, pointing out that the state's industrial sector is already facing challenges, with major companies like Foxconn not committing to expansion in Telangana, and some industries relocating to other states.

KTR further condemned the central government's silence on plans to install meters on agricultural motors, highlighting that farmers are already struggling with power supply issues. He contrasted this with the tenure of CM K. Chandrashekar Rao, who absorbed the costs to prevent the burden from falling on the public.

Referring to past successes, KTR stated that the state’s power capacity had grown from 7,000 MW to 24,000 MW since Telangana's formation. He argued that raising electricity charges would undermine the state’s growth and harm industries that benefit from subsidies, like the power loom sector in Sircilla and industries in Katedan.

KTR said that the BRS party had urged the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairman to reject the tariff hike proposals and announced that they would present their arguments during the public hearing scheduled for October 23. He emphasised the need for public awareness and stated that the BRS would continue to fight against any decisions that unfairly impact the people of Telangana.