Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday ruled out the privatisation of power utilities in Telangana and rejected opposition allegations over the issue.
He said the government had no plans to privatise GENCO, TRANSCO or the electricity distribution companies. It also had no proposal to convert the utilities into listed companies, he added. Bhatti made the remarks at a media conference at Praja Bhavan in Hyderabad. He accused opposition leaders of spreading false information for political benefit and misleading the public.
The Deputy Chief Minister specifically rejected former minister Harish Rao’s allegations about the privatisation of power utilities. Bhatti said the Congress government remained committed to Jawaharlal Nehru’s economic policies, a mixed economy and strengthening public sector institutions.
Privatisation of power utilities ruled out amid higher demand
Bhatti also addressed criticism over electricity supply and rising power demand in Telangana. He said the impact of El Niño had caused a sharp increase in electricity demand. According to him, peak demand had reached 19,892 MW.
However, Bhatti said the state had supplied uninterrupted electricity without imposing power cuts despite demand approaching 20,000 MW. He said criticism that undermined electricity employees was unfair when they were managing such high demand and maintaining supply.
The Deputy Chief Minister also targeted the previous BRS government over decisions concerning the Yadadri thermal power plant. He said site selection, detailed project reports and coal allocations were critical when establishing a thermal power station.
Bhatti said an agreement had been reached in 2016 under which Singareni would supply G9-grade coal. He questioned whether Singareni had adequate reserves of that grade when the commitment was made.
He further alleged that mining at the Naini block had stalled because of the previous government’s negligence. Bhatti said the present government intervened and secured the resumption of mining.
According to him, the government commissioned two Yadadri plant units last year and another two units this year. Bhatti said Harish Rao, who had served as a minister for 10 years, should speak responsibly on electricity issues.
He argued that speculative statements by opposition leaders could harm the state. He also said the government would disclose what it described as mistakes committed by the previous administration.
Bhatti said one such issue would be presented every week with supporting evidence. He further announced that the government would soon place complete documentary evidence concerning the Yadadri power plant before the media.
At the same time, Bhatti reiterated that there was no government proposal for the privatisation of power utilities or their conversion into listed companies.