MLA Vemula Prashanth Reddy opposes Rs 18,500 crore electricity tariff hike

NIZAMABAD: BRS MLA Vemula Prashanth Reddy has strongly opposed the proposed Rs 18,500 crore electricity tariff hike by state distribution companies (DISCOMs), demanding its immediate rejection. He raised concerns over the heavy financial burden this would impose on consumers during a public hearing by the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) in Nizamabad on Thursday.

DISCOMs have submitted petitions seeking approval for Rs 963 crore in true-up charges, Rs 16,364 crore in electricity charges for the financial year, and an additional Rs 1,200 crore from tariff hikes. Vemula, along with other leaders such as Baji Reddy Govardhan and V.G. Goud, presented their objections at the hearing. He criticised the proposal to increase the fixed charge for households consuming more than 300 units per month, from Rs 10 to Rs 50 per kilowatt, stating that this would severely impact middle-class families.

Vemula highlighted that electricity consumption often exceeds 300 units, especially during summer, and described the proposal as an excessive burden on the public. He emphasised that middle-income families would face significant financial strain, with monthly bills running into thousands of rupees.

He also pointed out that the previous BRS government had managed to provide reliable electricity despite challenges, contrasting this with what he described as the current government's commercial approach to electricity supply. He urged the authorities to focus on public welfare when making such decisions.