Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Friday urged the Telangana government to make full use of its power allocation from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). He cited growing electricity demand and new energy initiatives launched by the Centre.
Centre pushes for full NTPC utilization
Addressing the media, Reddy said India had reached record power production levels. Thermal plants now generate 74% of the country’s 500 GW output. Moreover, he assured that coal reserves were sufficient for 22 days. He stressed that the central government is working to strengthen both thermal and renewable energy sectors.
Reddy highlighted national schemes like PM Kusum and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. These schemes aim to provide free solar power to millions of homes. Farmers, too, are receiving solar pump sets to reduce agricultural expenses. Telangana, he added, had received approval for 450 MW of decentralized solar power and 40,000 rooftop systems, with 20,000 to be installed in the first phase.
Telangana using only part of allocated NTPC power
According to Reddy, Phase 1 of the Ramagundam NTPC project added 4,000 MW to the grid. This was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. Phase 2 will add another 3,800 MW, with 80% reserved for Telangana.
“Yet the state has agreed to purchase only one-third of its allocation,” he said. “Electricity demand is growing at 9.8% annually. It could hit 33,773 MW by 2030. Telangana must not waste this opportunity.”
Power sector under financial stress
The minister blamed the previous BRS government for poor management of the power sector. He said the state’s discoms are now under severe financial stress. Telangana reportedly owes ₹30,000 crore to power distribution companies and another ₹42,000 crore to Singareni Collieries.
He added that the Congress-led government has not done enough to address these issues.
Criticism of political timing
On a political note, Reddy criticised the recent appointment of Mohammad Azharuddin as a minister. He claimed the Congress government made the move to influence minority voters ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election.
“For two years, Congress overlooked these communities. Now it’s making symbolic moves for political gain,” he alleged.