Government explains Rs 5,420 crore true-up charges amid power demand

The State government linked the proposed Rs 5,420 crore true-up charges to rising power demand, drought and reduced hydel generation. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said increased thermal generation was helping meet demand amid lower water availability.

Hyderabad: The State government sought to justify the proposed Rs 5,420 crore true-up charges on consumers by pointing to a sharp rise in power demand and a steep fall in hydel generation caused by drought conditions.

During his visit to Pulichinthala project on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka claimed that the State government was maintaining uninterrupted 24-hour quality power supply despite an additional load of nearly 8,000 MW. Peak demand, which was around 15,000 MW earlier, now rose to nearly 20,000 MW.

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He attributed much of the pressure on the power system to the drought and high temperatures. Reduced water availability in rivers and reservoirs has resulted in a nearly 4,000 MW deficit in hydel generation, forcing the State to depend more heavily on thermal power, particularly to meet the night-time peak.

Bhatti Vikramarka said all hydel plants were ready to generate power but could not operate to their full capacity because of inadequate water. Therefore, he said the government managed to meet the increased demand largely through thermal generation.

The demand surge is also reflected in Hyderabad, where the peak touched 4,072 MW. The TGSPDCL area, covering Hyderabad and adjoining districts, recorded demand of 12,044 MW, driven by agricultural pump sets and increased cooling loads due to increased temperatures.

The government maintained that despite these pressures, TG Transco, TGSPDCL and TGNPDCL were supplying power without cuts, while TG GENCO personnel were working to meet the additional requirement.

The explanation comes against the backdrop of the decision to recover Rs 5,420 crore through true-up charges. While the government has linked the additional burden to higher demand, reduced hydel availability and the consequent dependence on thermal power, it has also urged consumers to conserve water until the next monsoon amid concerns over further water shortages.