PaperDabba News Desk: July 12, 2024
Electricity Sector Faces ₹1,29,503 Crore Loss Under YSRCP Rule.
Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has stated that the state has suffered a colossal ₹1,29,503 crore loss in the electricity sector due to the YSRCP government’s inefficiency over the past five years. He revealed that the burden on the public amounted to ₹32,166 crore due to various charges imposed under new names like “True Up” and “True Up Fuel.” On Tuesday, Naidu released a white paper on the electricity sector at the Velagapudi Secretariat.
“In the last five years, we are reflecting on what happened and what collective efforts we must undertake for the state’s future. Before the elections, we campaigned that the people must win, and they did. We have the responsibility to respect the public’s sentiments,” Naidu said.
Electricity Tied to Everyone’s Life
“Electricity is tied to everyone’s life. The more efficiently it is utilized, the more benefits it yields. From 1995-2004, we brought 1.0 reforms. Even Odisha had to step back. When we came to power in 2014, there was a shortage of 22.5 million units. Thus, we introduced 2.0 reforms. However, from 2019-24, the government increased the tariff burden.”
Achieved Surplus Electricity
“After taking charge in 2014, despite the shortage of 22.5 million units, we managed power efficiently. By January 2018, we achieved surplus electricity. We increased the demand from 6,784 MW to 9,453 MW and consumption from 40,174 million units to 54,555 million units. Not once did we impose power cuts in those five years. We provided quality electricity without increasing tariffs and increased per capita consumption from 1,003 units to 1,234 units, achieving a 17% increase.”
145 Awards During Our Tenure
“We introduced two new thermal units and increased AP Genco’s capacity from 4,114 MW to 7,213 MW. Transmission capacity increased from 29,863 MVA to 46,987 MVA. We enhanced installed renewable capacity, solar, wind power, and generation capacity in five years. We won 145 awards in the power sector, including 12 for Transco, 27 for Genco, 48 for Eastern Power, 43 for NREDCAP, and 9 for APSPDCL.”
Unprecedented Devastation in My Lifetime
“Due to the inefficiency of the previous government, people now have to bear an additional burden of ₹32,166 crore. Delays in VTPS and KTPS cost ₹12,816 crore. Changing the Polavaram Hydraulic Contract led to a ₹4,737 crore burden. Solar projects and interest on loans added another ₹47,741 crore burden. Additionally, delays in thermal projects cost ₹4,064 crore, and other inefficiencies led to a total loss of ₹12,816 crore.”
Our Government Will Rectify the Sector
“We will take action against inefficiencies and ensure no power cuts. Quality electricity will be provided to the public, and solar panels will be promoted for self-use and government sales. We are planning for 3.0 reforms in the electricity sector to bring back efficiency. The financial situation is dire, and we seek cooperation from central ministers.”
Naidu concluded, “Our government will work to enhance revenue and utilize it for public welfare. The last five years witnessed an unprecedented level of mismanagement that affected the public adversely. We will restore the electricity sector to its former glory without imposing an additional burden on the people.”
