Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed a comprehensive restructuring of Telangana’s electricity sector, ordering the creation of a new distribution company to handle all government-subsidised power schemes.
Officials have been tasked with setting up a third discom alongside the existing Northern and Southern Power Distribution Companies (NPDCL, SPDCL). The new discom will administer agricultural free power, the 200-unit Gruha Jyothi domestic subsidy, and free supply to schools and colleges.
Revanth ordered that the new entity cover the entire state as a single unit and said the realignment would improve performance and help raise national ratings.
While NPDCL and SPDCL will continue handling commercial operations, the third discom will be limited to managing subsidised distribution. The move, he said, will streamline finances and make subsidy delivery more efficient.
The Chief Minister termed structural reforms essential to improve the financial health of the discoms. He also instructed officials to reduce the debt burden currently crippling the sector and finalise a restructuring plan to lower interest rates from 10% to 6% on existing loans.
Addressing energy department officials at his Jubilee Hills residence, Revanth said solar power should be rapidly deployed across all government institutions, including schools, colleges, and offices. He directed collectors to identify suitable buildings in each district for rooftop installations.
He ordered immediate solarisation of the state Secretariat, including rooftop systems and solar fencing. The parking area, which becomes a problem in summer, will also get solar-roofed shelters designed for dual use.
Revanth also directed fast-track implementation of the Indira Solar Girijana Jal Vikasam scheme across tribal habitations and agency areas. The plan targets 2.1 lakh Scheduled Tribe farmers in three years, with solar pump sets deployed over 6 lakh acres.
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Principal Secretary (Energy) Naveen Mittal, CM’s Special Secretary Ajith Reddy, GENCO CMD Harish, SPDCL CMD Musharraf, NPDCL CMD Varun Reddy, Singareni CMD Balram, REDCO VC & MD Anil and other officials participated in the review meeting.