Hyderabad: BRS leader and former minister Harish Rao criticised the Telangana government for issuing GO 17 to establish the Telangana Rythu Power Distribution Company Limited (TGRPDCL). He alleged that the new farmers’ power distribution company could threaten the continuation of free electricity for farmers.
The order transferred employees, distribution networks, assets, liabilities, power purchase agreements and other responsibilities to the new entity. Harish Rao questioned the need for a separate company and sought clarity on its finances, staffing and ability to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
He said the government had disregarded objections from the BRS, other political parties, employee unions, power experts, social activists and farmers. He also accused the Congress government of failing to ensure reliable electricity for agriculture, households and industry.
According to Harish Rao, the restructuring would not resolve existing power sector problems. He questioned what tangible benefits farmers would receive from the new arrangement. He also warned that the move could eventually lead to restrictions on free electricity.
Existing maintenance problems added to his concerns. He cited transformers burning out and questioned how the new company would address breakdowns. He demanded assurances that farmers would continue receiving free and uninterrupted power.
Farmers’ power distribution company to manage over 30 lakh connections
The proposed farmers’ power distribution company would cover 3,060,861 agricultural connections and 512 lift irrigation schemes. Its responsibilities would also include connections associated with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Mission Bhagiratha. The stated total would be 3,062,853 connections.
Harish Rao questioned whether around 2,000 employees could manage such an extensive network. The company would oversee 615,651 agricultural transformers and 251,000 circuit kilometres of agricultural low-tension lines.
He sought an explanation of how the proposed workforce would maintain this infrastructure and respond to breakdowns. He also asked the government to disclose the administrative costs of establishing and operating the new entity.
Harish Rao raised concerns over the allocation of electricity sources. He said Telangana’s existing power mix comprised 53.28% thermal power and 35.31% solar power. By contrast, the new company would reportedly receive 25% thermal power, 58% solar power and all hydel power.
Solar generation, he argued, could not meet demand at night. The allocated 2,325 MW of hydel power would also be technically available for only three to four months each year. He questioned how the company would supply agricultural consumers during the night and in the remaining months.
The BRS leader also questioned how the government would distribute debts, liabilities and other financial obligations. He sought details on the company’s financial viability and warned that the restructuring could place additional costs on farmers.
Harish Rao demanded a written guarantee that the government would not reduce free electricity or 24-hour agricultural power supply. He also called for transparency over the transfer of assets, debts and employees to the farmers’ power distribution company.
He asked the government to address concerns over staffing, maintenance, power allocation and financial stability. Harish Rao demanded answers and called for the immediate withdrawal of GO 17 if the objections remained unresolved.