Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the necessity of thoroughly examining the electricity policies of various states, engaging in discussions within the Legislative Assembly, and implementing a comprehensive electricity policy in the state of Telangana.
The Chief Minister conducted an extensive review with officials of the Electricity Department at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Secretariat on Wednesday. The review meeting, attended by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Ministers N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, and D. Sridhar Babu, covered topics such as power consumption, ensuring 24-hour uninterrupted power supply, initiatives to boost power production, and the implementation of the Gruha Jyoti Scheme to provide 200 units of electricity.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Chief Minister on power generation, power purchase from various companies, power consumption, and the performance and financial status of distribution companies (Discoms).
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive study, providing complete details of contracts between power companies and the Electricity Regulatory Council (ERC) since 2014, including contract contents and prices. He urged them to present details of contracts and their contents for each financial year, along with explanations for agreements leading to higher prices.
The Chief Minister directed the purchase of electricity from companies offering lower prices than the open market. He noted that the absence of a proper electricity policy has resulted in various difficulties and problems. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to study electricity policies in other states, evaluate their electricity situations, and identify the best policies.
Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of discussing with experts and public representatives from all political parties in the assembly to formulate a superior electricity policy for Telangana. He reiterated the commitment to providing 24 hours of free electricity to farmers in the state.
The Chief Minister ordered the preparation of a plan to offer up to 200 units of free electricity to every household through the Gruha Jyothi scheme. Additionally, he explored the possibility of establishing more power companies to augment electricity production, urging authorities to expedite ongoing construction projects. Revanth Reddy stressed the need to curb electricity misuse and enhance quality, calling for strong and proactive measures to ensure uninterrupted power supply.In attendance at the review meeting were state ministers, Principal Secretary Shanti Kumari, Finance Special Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, Irrigation Secretary Rahul Bojja, Transco CMD Rizvi, TSSPDCL CMD Musharraf Farooqui, and other officials. (INN)