Minister Parthasaradhi vows no electricity burden on citizens

The Andhra Pradesh government is taking steps to further reduce electricity charges and provide relief to citizens, said Minister for Housing, Information, and Public Relations, Kolusu Parthasaradhi. Speaking at a press conference at his camp office in Nuziveedu on Sunday, he emphasized that the government is committed to keeping electricity affordable and delivering on promises made during the election campaign.

Minister Parthasaradhi highlighted that due to thoughtless decisions by the previous government, the state’s power sector faced a burden of ₹4,789 crore in ‘true-up’ charges. However, the current government will absorb these costs without passing them on to consumers. “Good governance is not about burdening people; it’s about supporting them,” the minister said. He added that reforms implemented since last November have reduced the per-unit cost of electricity by up to ₹13.

He also criticized the previous government for pushing Andhra Pradesh, which had a surplus of electricity in 2019, into debts of ₹1.5 lakh crore. The minister condemned past biased procurement practices, pointing out that while companies were willing to supply solar and wind power at ₹2.49 per unit, the former administration blocked these deals and instead signed agreements in the open market at ₹5.19-₹5.50 per unit, increasing the cost burden on citizens.

Looking ahead, the government plans to secure renewable energy contracts for 80 gigawatts of electricity at lower costs. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, solar units are being provided to economically weaker households, with an additional ₹50,000 subsidy for SC, ST, and BC families.

Beyond energy, Minister Parthasaradhi said the government is strengthening law and order and taking strict measures to curb cannabis cultivation. Panchayat funds, which were misused by the previous government, are now being properly supervised under the Deputy Chief Minister’s guidance. Infrastructure projects are also being accelerated, with 5,000 km of roads being built and household drinking water connections expanded. Landholding farmers are receiving passbooks with detailed land records, and under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister, industrial growth is generating employment opportunities for thousands of youth.