Telangana Records Highest-Ever Power Demand - Bhatti Vikramarka

Telangana has recorded its highest-ever peak power demand of 19,892 MW, Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said. Despite the demand nearing 20,000 MW, the state has been supplying electricity without disruptions, he said, noting that Karnataka’s peak demand is below 15,000 MW and Andhra Pradesh’s is around 13,000 MW. Bhatti praised GENCO, TRANSCO and DISCOM officials and employees for maintaining uninterrupted supply. He also dismissed speculation about privatising the power utilities or converting them into listed companies, saying the Congress government believes in strengthening public-sector institutions under a mixed-economy model.

Bhatti alleged that the previous government’s decisions led to delays and difficulties in the Yadadri Thermal Power Plant project. He said the project received its Letter of Intent in 2015, but adequate coal linkages and transportation arrangements were not ensured. He claimed that 14 coal blocks were closed between 2014 and 2024, resulting in a reduction of around 15 million tonnes in coal production. While efforts are being made to supply coal to Yadadri from the Naini coal block, Bhatti said it is not a permanent solution and that the state is seeking a long-term allocation from the Centre. He said Yadadri’s power generation cost is ₹6.66 per unit, compared with ₹4.17 at Kakatiya and ₹4.60 at Bhadradri, adding that the higher cost ultimately places an additional burden on Telangana’s consumers.