Power to cost Telangana Rs 5,200 crore

Hyderabad: Despite some clarity on power tariffs for those who consume below 50 units of electricity a month, the hike in tariff for the 51 to 200 units consumers remains uncertain.

“We are preparing various proposals on his direction. We will try to make a final report on Friday. If not completed by that time, we may seek a week’s time. The ARR submission may be done only after Sankranti. The CM has asked us to submit proposals to the state electricity regulatory commission once completed,” an official, involved closely in the making of proposals, said.

The utilities have been purchasing power at Rs 5.37 per unit and supplying it to normal consumers at Rs 3.89.

The power bill is likely to be more this time due to purchase of power at a heavy price, increase in establishment charges, including salary bills, and a huge subsidy for free power.

Mr Rao has reportedly assured power officials that the government would take care of the financial health of the Discoms. According to the official, the overall burden of power utilities would touch Rs 5,200 crore, according to reports.

As the demand from agriculture, domestic and industrial sectors grow along with the increasing needs of Hyderabad, the per capita consumption in Telangana has gone up to 9,881 units against a national average of 9,172 units for the financial year 2013-14.

The overall energy deficit of the state for the last three years was in the range of 5 per cent to 12 per cent. Energy requirement in Telangana was 47,428 MU in the financial year 2013-14 of which only 44,946 MU could be met. The deficit would continue for the next five years, according to latest estimates.