HYDERABAD, OCT 21: BRS party working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) voiced strong concerns over a proposed electricity tariff hike by the Congress government, which could impose a burden of Rs 18,500 crore on the people of Telangana.

KTR urged the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) to reject the proposals submitted by the state Congress government through the power distribution companies (Discoms).

Accompanied by former minister and MLA Jagadish Reddy and other senior leaders of the BRS party, KTR met with the ERC in Hyderabad today, handing over an official letter on behalf of the party.

During the meeting, KTR expressed his apprehension about nine key proposals made by the Discoms, which he argued would severely impact the financial well-being of the public.

One of the most alarming proposals, he said, was the increase in fixed charges for households consuming more than 300 units per month, raising it from Rs. 10 to Rs 50. KTR labelled this measure as “highly dangerous” and warned that it could push ordinary households into financial hardship.

KTR further criticized the idea of grouping all industries under a single tariff category, calling it an ill-conceived and unfair plan that could damage the industrial sector.

He emphasized that such a move is unprecedented in Telangana and poses a serious threat to the state’s economic progress. He pointed out that the industrial sector is already struggling under the current Congress administration, citing the fact that Foxconn, a leading technology company, has excluded Telangana from its expansion plans, choosing instead to invest in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

KTR attributed this to the government’s misguided policies, adding that several industries have already relocated outside of Telangana since the Congress came to power.

KTR also criticized the state government for its silence regarding the central government’s proposal to install meters for agricultural pumps. “People are already frustrated with the unreliable power supply,” he said.

Recalling the tenure of former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), KTR noted that similar tariff hike proposals were rejected during KCR’s administration. “When Discoms proposed a True-Up charge hike of Rs 1,200 crore, KCR ensured that the government absorbed the cost, preventing any burden on the public,” KTR said.

KTR stressed that electricity is a basic necessity for the common man, not merely a commodity. He praised the achievements made under KCR’s leadership, highlighting free electricity for farmers and 24-hour power supply for households.

He added that free power was also extended to barbers, washermen, and Dalits. “When Telangana was formed, our power capacity was 7,000 MW. Today, we have increased it to 24,000 MW,” KTR said.

However, he warned that the proposed electricity charges could stall the state’s progress. “We provided a 50 per cent subsidy to the power loom industry in Sircilla and other industries in Kattedan. These new proposals would remove those subsidies,” he stated.

KTR urged the ERC chairman to reject the arbitrary power tariff hikes. The ERC has scheduled a public hearing on October 23, where KTR and his team plan to present their arguments against the proposed increases.

In preparation for the hearing, KTR is raising public awareness about the potential negative impact of the tariff hike. “We will present a strong case against these reckless decisions at the public hearing on October 23,” KTR affirmed.