Harish Rao Raises Concerns Over Telangana’s New Farmers’ DISCOM

Former minister and BRS MLA T. Harish Rao has demanded the immediate withdrawal of G.O. Ms. No. 17 issued by the Congress government to establish the Telangana Rythu Power Distribution Company Limited (TGRPDCL), alleging that the move could jeopardise free electricity supply to the agricultural sector. He criticised the government for ignoring objections raised by political parties, employee unions, power sector experts, social activists and farmers.

Harish Rao questioned the rationale behind creating a separate DISCOM when the government was allegedly struggling to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to agriculture, households and industries. He demanded that the government explain how TGRPDCL would benefit farmers and improve the quality of electricity supply. Farmers were already facing difficulties due to transformer failures and other power-related issues, he said.

According to the details cited by Harish Rao, TGRPDCL would take over 30,62,853 electricity connections, including 30,60,861 agricultural connections, 512 lift irrigation schemes and connections linked to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board and Mission Bhagiratha.

He questioned how such an extensive network could be managed with just 2,000 employees. The proposed company would also be responsible for maintaining 6,15,651 agricultural transformers and 2.51 lakh circuit kilometres of agricultural low-tension (LT) lines. He sought clarity on how timely repairs and farmers’ complaints would be addressed with limited manpower.

The proposed allocation of electricity sources also came under scrutiny. Harish Rao said the new DISCOM had been allocated 25% of thermal power, 58% of solar power and 100% of hydropower. Pointing out that solar generation depends on daylight and hydropower availability can vary seasonally, he questioned how the government would sustain 24-hour free electricity supply to farmers throughout the year.

He further demanded details of the loans, pending dues, administrative expenses, assets, liabilities and employee transfers associated with TGRPDCL. He expressed concern that financial losses could eventually be used to impose restrictions on farmers’ electricity consumption.

Harish Rao urged the government to provide a written guarantee of free, round-the-clock power supply and address all concerns before proceeding with the restructuring. If the initiative was intended to serve farmers’ interests, the government should consider stakeholders’ objections; otherwise, it should withdraw G.O. Ms. No. 17 immediately, he said.