KT Rama Rao Criticizes Proposal to Hike Electricity Tariffs in Telangana

By A Staff Reporter

Hyderabad, Telangana: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao voiced concerns over a proposal to increase electricity tariffs in Telangana, calling it a severe blow to the state's people and businesses. During a press briefing, he revealed that the Electricity Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing nine proposals from Telangana’s Southern Power Discom and Northern Power Distribution Company, which together would impose an additional burden of Rs 18,500 crores on consumers.

Rama Rao pointed out that the current fixed charge for consuming over 300 units of electricity is Rs 10 per unit. However, under the new proposal, the fixed charge would soar to Rs 50 per unit, a fivefold increase. "This will place a huge burden on the people of Telangana," he said, criticizing the drastic hike and its potential financial impact on households.

He further condemned the proposed unification of electricity charges for all industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and large investors. “Today's proposal from the Discoms basically aims to ensure that all MSMEs and mega investors have one single slab, a unification of charges. This is going to be a death knell for the MSME sector. This is absolutely ridiculous," Rama Rao said.

Calling on the Electricity Regulatory Commission to reject the proposal, he emphasized the detrimental effect it would have on small businesses and the broader economy. His remarks reflect the growing concern over the impact of rising energy costs on the state's industries and residents.