Hyderabad, June 04: In a remarkable turnaround, the Telangana government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, has successfully addressed the longstanding issue of electricity shortage that plagued the state for over six decades. Previously, farmers suffered immensely due to inadequate power supply for agriculture, resulting in the necessity of generators, inverters, and converters in people’s daily lives. Motor burnouts and transformer explosions were frequent occurrences, while industries faced disruptions with power holidays, leading industrialists to stage protests at Indira Park.
Opposition leaders had predicted a bleak future for Telangana, with claims that the state would be engulfed in darkness and people would have to hang their clothes out to dry. However, the Telangana government defied these expectations and achieved remarkable progress in the electricity sector. Today, Telangana stands as the only state in the country to provide uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to all sectors, including free power for agriculture, garnering nationwide recognition.
Telangana farmers no longer worry about power shortages or motor failures, as their farmlands are efficiently irrigated. The government allocates an annual budget of Rs. 12,000 crores for free electricity in the agricultural sector, demonstrating its commitment to the welfare of farmers.
The state has abolished power and crop holidays, making the Telangana model a topic of widespread discussion across the nation. Since its formation, Telangana’s installed power generation capacity has surged from 7,778 MW to an impressive 18,453 MW. Additionally, solar power production has skyrocketed from a mere 74 MW to an impressive 5,741 MW, establishing Telangana as a leader in solar energy generation.
The government implemented a three-pronged strategy to revolutionize the power sector in Telangana. Internal efficiency within organizations was improved, plant load factors were increased, and distribution losses were minimized. The Telangana government entered into a power purchase agreement with Chhattisgarh, enabling the establishment of a 765 KV line from Wardha to Hyderabad and creating opportunities for constructing DC lines. The construction of new power stations and the strengthening of transmission infrastructure allowed for seamless electricity supply and absorption from any part of the country.
Key achievements include the timely completion of Phase 7 of the KTPS construction, the establishment of Bhupalapally and Jaipur plants, providing an additional 1800 MW of electricity. Furthermore, hydel power supply of 360 MW was initiated from Jurala and Pulichintala, while the 1080 MW Bhadradri Thermal Power Station commenced operations under the Telangana government’s initiative. The final stages of construction are underway for the Yadadri Ultra Mega Power Plant, with a production capacity of 4000 MW, spearheaded by TS Genco.
Telangana’s power companies have made significant strides in both production and supply. The distribution system has been fortified through the construction of substations, installation of power transformers, and the expansion of new power lines, with an investment of Rs. 22,502 crores.
Telangana now leads the country in per capita electricity consumption, with an increase from 1,356 units in 2014-15 to 2,126 units in 2021-22, surpassing the national average of 1,255 units. This signifies a remarkable 69% higher per capita electricity consumption in Telangana compared to the national average.
The Telangana government’s commitment to resolving electricity woes is evident through its subsidies and initiatives. It has provided a substantial subsidy of Rs. 36,890 crores for free electricity in the agricultural sector from 2014-15 to 2021-22. Additionally, Rs. 39,
321 crores were invested in strengthening the power system and distribution infrastructure. The state has experienced significant changes in agriculture since its formation, thanks to the proactive policies and interventions of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who prioritized the electricity issue and ensured that quality electricity was accessible to farmers. Telangana is the only state in the country that provides free 24-hour electricity to 26.96 lakh agricultural consumers.
The state has achieved an impressive transmission availability rate of 99.98% and the lowest supply losses at 2.47%. Transmission and distribution losses have been reduced from 16.06% to 11.01% since the formation of the state. Solar power capacity has risen from a mere 73 MW to an impressive 4,950 MW.
In addition to free electricity for farmers, Telangana provides subsidized or free electricity to various communities, including SC, ST, Nai Brahmins, salons, laundry shops, poultry units, and power looms. The state has become a shining example of efficient power generation, supply, and distribution.
Telangana’s success story in the electricity sector showcases its remarkable progress and commitment to the welfare of its citizens. The state has emerged as a role model for other regions seeking sustainable and uninterrupted power supply.
