Telangana-From February 11 No Power Interruption For Farmers, Says Jagadish Reddy

G Jagadish Reddy, Telangana Energy Minister accepted in the Assembly that there was a shortage of electricity for agricultural users on Thursday and Friday. But he promised that farmers will receive uninterrupted power 24 hours a day, seven days a week starting on Saturday.

On March 29, 2022, State electricity utilities surpassed the previous peak demand of 14,166 MW, delivering 14,169 Megawatts on Friday, the day with the largest peak demand.

Reddy claimed that there would not be a power shortage for the agricultural sector in the next few days because as of Friday afternoon, the power companies had started to restore the supply.

The Minister stated, “As long as KCR is Chief Minister and the BRS is in power, there will be 24×7 free electricity supply to the farm sector.”

Jagadish Reddy blamed the Union government for the 4,000 MW NTPC Ramagundam power plant’s delay, which will cost users Rs 9,637.27 crore.

Jagadish Reddy explained, “However, opposition leaders claim that the administration is buying influence by paying high fees. The cost increase is due to the NTPC plant’s delay in completion.” He also rebuked the Centre for requiring power companies to use 30 per cent of imported coal in thermal power plants.

“SCCL provides one tonne of coal at Rs 3,600. That is why Telangana refused to accept the Centre’s terms and never acquired foreign coal. However, our neighbouring state agreed to the terms and invited bids to purchase the imported coal. The suppliers quoted a price of Rs 40,000 per tonne. The tenders were revoked and re-invited by the neighbouring state. Telangana paid only Rs 3,600 per tonne, although the supplier demanded Rs 24,000 per tonne. As a result, there was no additional cost to our customers. Even BJP-ruled states were opposed to imported coal,” Jagadish Reddy added.

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