Ensure free power 24 hrs to farmers, up to 200 units to houses, review PPAs from 2014, says CM

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Government is planning to bring in a new power policy after studying the existing policies of other States and holding discussions with energy experts in the State Assembly.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held an extensive review on the power sector with officials on Wednesday and discussed issues like power consumption, supply of 24 hours uninterrupted power, power generation by companies, measures for new power generation units and the 200 units free power supply under the Gruha Jyoti scheme.

Officials briefed the Chief Minister about the installed capacity of electricity generation in Telangana, power purchases from various power utilities, regular power consumption, performance of the DISCOMS and the financial situation.

Also Read: Every needy must become beneficiary of welfare schemes: Revanth Reddy to Ministers, MLAs

The Chief Minister instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive study and submit a detailed report regarding the agreements entered by the electricity companies and the Electricity Regulatory Council (ERC) from 2014 till date, contents of those agreements and prices for purchase of power.

Revanth also asked officials to furnish details of year wise agreements entered by the DISCOMS and related information. The officials were instructed to provide information about the reasons behind entering agreements by paying excess to the power supply companies. The Chief Minister instructed authorities to purchase power from the companies which were supplying at low prices in the open market.

Revanth Reddy said that difficulties were arising due to non-formulation of a constructive electricity policy till date in the State. Revanth ordered the officials to visit other States and study power policies, electricity conditions and the best policies adopted and submit the reports to the Government. The Chief Minister said that the Government would also discuss with energy experts, peoples representatives from all parties in the Assembly to introduce a new power policy.

Also Read: Make plans to develop Vikarabad-Krishna railway line: Revanth Reddy

"The Government is committed to fulfill the promise of supplying 24-hour free power supply to the farmers," said Revanth. He asked the officials to prepare plans to provide free electricity to houses up to 200 units through the Gruha Jyoti scheme which was one of the six guarantees announced during the Assembly elections.

The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to prepare plans to increase power generation capacity in the Government sector, study the possibilities of setting up more power companies and speed up the works at the new power generation plants which were under construction. The Chief Minister suggested to prevent misuse of electricity and increase the quality of power supply. Revanth Reddy also asked officials to take strong and proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of electricity in the State.