Power reforms: CM Revanth outlines major plan to revamp energy sector, reduce debt

Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has called for major reforms to revamp Telangana's power sector.

These include setting up a new Distribution Company (DISCOM) to enhance efficiency and improve financial health.

The decision was taken at a high-level review meeting held at CM's Jubilee Hills residence. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and top officials.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for immediate action to implement the necessary reforms for the power department's overhaul. As part of this, a new DISCOM will be formed, and officials have been instructed to take immediate steps.

New DISCOM to Manage Subsidy Schemes

The newly proposed DISCOM will be responsible for managing all government subsidy-based power schemes across the state. This includes:

Free power for agriculture

200 units of free domestic electricity under the 'Gruha Jyothi' scheme

Free electricity for schools and colleges

Chief Minister Reddy suggested that the new DISCOM should operate as a single unit covering the entire state. This restructuring aims to improve the performance of the existing DISCOMs (NPDCL and SPDCL) and enhance their national ratings. NPDCL and SPDCL will primarily focus on commercial electricity operations, while the new entity will streamline the management of subsidized power.

Financial Restructuring and Debt Reduction

Chief Minister Reddy emphasized that reforms are crucial for improving the financial health of the DISCOMs.

He directed officials to prepare a plan:

1) Reduce the burden of existing loans

2) DISCOMs are suffering from the high interest rates of 10 percent and have been asked to lower them to 6 percent.

Push for Solar Power Across Government Facilities

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Chief Minister also directed officials to implement solar power utilization across all government schools, colleges, and offices statewide.

Key directives include:

Installing solar plants on all government buildings.

District Collectors will be responsible for identifying suitable buildings in their respective districts for solar plant installation.

Developing necessary plans on a war footing.

Ensuring the State Secretariat is powered by solar energy, with immediate arrangements to be made in coordination with the R&B and Energy departments.

Installing solar rooftop sheds at the Secretariat to alleviate vehicle parking issues during summer, with designs that facilitate convenient parking.

Implementing solar fencing and solar rooftops around the Secretariat to meet power needs and resolve parking problems.

Indira Solar Griha Jala Vikasam Scheme for Tribal Areas

The Chief Minister further instructed the 'Indira Solar Griha Jala Vikasam' scheme to be implemented on a war footing across all tribal hamlets (tandas) and agency areas in the state. The ambitious target is to cover 2.10 lakh ST farmers with solar-powered pump sets over three years, bringing 6 lakh acres under solar irrigation.