Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar rules out hike in power tariffs 

Reaffirming the NDA government’s commitment to safeguarding public interest, Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has said there is no intention to increase power tariffs in the State.

Participating in the door-to-door outreach being conducted as a part of the ‘Suparipalanalo Tholi Adugu’ programme at Balayapalli in Kadapa district on Sunday, Mr. Ravi Kumar criticised the previous YSRCP government for severely damaging the power sector, burdening it with over ₹1.30 lakh crore debt during its five-year tenure.

He said, “While the TDP government had added 7,000 MW of solar power during 2014-19, the successor YSRCP government failed to generate even a single megawatt during its term.”

The Minister further said the coalition government was focused on promoting large-scale green energy projects, particularly in the Rayalaseema region, which offers immense potential. He added that the government would actively bring green energy investments to the area, leading to massive employment opportunities for the youth.

He also appealed to the people to take advantage of the Central government schemes such as PM Suryagarh and PM Kusum.

Later, he held a review meeting at the camp office of Badvel TDP in-charge Ritesh Reddy. He assessed the progress of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) works in the district.

Discussions were held on the construction of new substations, agricultural power connections, and distribution of transformers to farmers.

Power for farmers

Stressing the importance of uninterrupted quality supply, Mr. Ravi Kumar directed the officials to ensure nine-hour daytime electricity for farmers and 24-hour power for households and industries.

Mr. Ravi Kumar emphasised that all manifesto promises were being fulfilled, citing examples such as the Deepam scheme, under which three gas cylinders were being given free of cost. He also announced that around ₹10,000 crore was deposited in a single day under Thalliki Vandanam scheme.

He said the free bus travel scheme for women would commence from August 15. Similarly, ₹20,000 would be provided to the farmers soon under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme.