Nizamabad: BRS opposes power tariff hike, calls it unjust

The party urged the ERC to reject the nine proposals submitted by the state-owned electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which could burden consumers with Rs 18,500 crore in additional charges

Nizamabad: The Bharat Rashtra Samithi categorically opposed the proposed hike in electricity tariffs, terming it unreasonable and deceitful.

The party urged the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) to reject the nine proposals submitted by the state-owned electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs), which could burden consumers with Rs 18,500 crore in additional charges.

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Speaking at an ERC public hearing held at the district collectorate in Nizamabad on Thursday, former Minister and BRS MLA Vemula Prashanth Reddy, along with other BRS leaders, criticised the State government for seeking Rs 963 crore in true-up charges, Rs 16,364 crore in regular electricity charges, and another Rs 1,200 crore in additional charges for the current financial year.

He said the steep increase in fixed charges for households using more than 300 units per month from Rs 10 to Rs 50 per KW, would hit middle-class families hard.

The former Minister accused the Congress-led State government of breaking its election promise of free electricity for those using less than 200 units. He said the government is instead imposing unreasonable tariff hike that would directly burden consumers.

Prashanth Reddy termed the proposed industrial tariff hikes as anti-development. He warned that equal rates for small and large industries, would harm micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), leading to closure of those industries and significant job losses. Instead, he suggested for giving subsidies to industries of different categories.

“The Congress government is taking hasty decisions, forcing the DISCOMs to increase the power tariff and other charges which would affect the individuals, industries and also State economy,” he said.

Recalling the BRS government’s approach, Prashanth Reddy noted that despite challenges, they provided uninterrupted power without passing the burden to consumers.

He urged the ERC to reject the DISCOM proposals. He wanted the State government to prioritise the welfare of the people and the State’s development, stressing that electricity is essential for both households and industries.