Netas in dark over Rs 24 lakh power bill

Hyderabad: After years of uninterrupted power supply, the ministers’ quarters in the VIP enclave had their power supply cut for not paying their bills. There have been virtually no power cuts in the privileged area in Banjara Hills where the netas reside, as the area has a dedicated feeder to supply uninterrupted power even though  most other parts of the city suffer long hours of outages.

However, 15 swanky residences had no power on Wednesday, as discom officials tried to make them pay their bills. The 15 residences owe Rs 24 lakh, and the amount has been pending since months.

Predictably, there were frantic phone calls and visits from department representatives before power was restored late in the evening. More than 200 calls were received from various offices for power to be restored quickly to these privileged homes that don’t have a clue how the rest of the city suffers.  

“Power supply was never disconnected earlier, and none of the quarters have backup systems. The dues are to be collected from the concerned departments. Snapping of power supply in the quarters is not the right way. We have assured bill payment at the earliest,” said an R and B official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The central discom says that government departments, department-owned offices and residences owe it Rs 400 crore.

“Power was disconnected to 15 residences to press them to clear dues. After the departments promised that they will arrange payment of dues at the earliest, power supply was restored,” said CGM Metro Zone, Satish Kumar.