The TS government is deploying solar energy even in areas where electricity facilities are not feasible, such as sanctuaries. Special solar panels have been installed for the Bhagiratha Mission, providing water through solar power. The TS government has demonstrated how technology can make challenging tasks possible.
Former chief minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy once said: “If Telangana is formed, It will prevail in darkness. There will be no electricity. People and farmers will face severe hardships.”
Telangana became a reality a few months after he made these remarks. Within a few years, Telangana was able to curb power cuts. Today, Kiran Kumar Reddy, like everyone else in Telangana, is enjoying uninterrupted electricity round the clock. Many individuals who had believed that everything would come to a halt should Telangana be formed are now staying happily here, having shifted from their native states. This exemplifies the strength of Telangana, thanks to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao’s perseverance and utmost love for the state.
Electricity had long been a major concern in our region under the combined Andhra Pradesh. During the TDP government, agriculture received electricity for only seven hours, split between day and night. Additionally, farmers suffered financial losses due to sudden voltage fluctuations causing burnout of motors. The Congress party later promised to provide nine hours of electricity, but the problem persisted. Due to huge fluctuations, farmers used to lose their crops every now and then.
The rulers of united AP left us (Telangana) in a state of uncertainty, never knowing when electricity would be available. Most villages only had electricity during the day, leaving us in darkness throughout the night. As summer approached, power outages were announced for industries, resulting in significant disruptions. The leaders of that era reduced electricity wires to mere clotheslines.
It has been 75 years since we achieved independence; yet, in all these years, our leaders failed to provide a minimum of nine hours of electricity. Times changed and true leaders came up. They are the ones who love people and work for their welfare. KCR had clarity on the electricity issue right from the early days of the Telangana statehood movement. He questioned the reasons behind the persistent troubles: “Why do we face such difficulties? Why can’t we ensure uninterrupted electricity?” Later, when he came to power, he held discussions with officials to determine the available electricity supply and explore ways to increase production and overcome the main problems.
Comprehensive studies were conducted on all these matters. Within days of the state’s formation, power cuts became a thing of the past in Telangana. Our installed power capacity at the time of formation of the state was 7,778 MW; now, it has now surpassed 18,453 MW-an impressive increase of around 150%. By enhancing the supply system and boosting production, Telangana is providing quality electricity 24 hours a day to all sectors, including residential areas, industries, and agriculture.
The previous rulers had failed to provide quality electricity for agriculture, despite collecting charges. However, we are now providing 24 hours of free quality electricity. This achievement is a result of the foresight of KCR. Furthermore, we offer free electricity up to 250 units to laundry shops, washhouses, and barber shops. This exemplifies the magnitude of our success in the electricity sector today.
Our per capita electricity consumption was 1,196 units when the state was formed; now, at 2,000 units, it is the highest in the country at 2,000 units. The increased consumption of electricity reflects the progress of the state.
Telangana is performing wonderfully not just in conventional electricity but also in renewable energy. Telangana has emerged as a leader in RE Production. With the support of the BRS govt, the Telangana State Renewable Energy Development Corporation has been actively working in the direction of adopting RE. At the time of statehood, Telangana had less than 500 megawatts of renewable energy capacity. Today, it has crossed 4,500 MW, making it the top state in terms of renewable energy growth rate with a staggering 250% increase.
Telangana has achieved remarkable milestones in solar power, becoming the top state in solar power generation by 2018. Since then, it has consistently maintained its position among the top four states. Usually, the Union government sets solar power targets for each state, and Telangana surpassed its target by generating 256% more solar power than assigned by the Center.
Initially, our region had only 50 MW of ground surface solar generation projects. By 2014-15, this capacity increased to 169.04 MW. Presently, the state generates 3,808.29 MW of solar power through surface-mounted panels. Additionally, Telangana ranks second in the country in terms of solar power generation area. Moreover, the TS government is deploying solar energy even in areas where electricity facilities are not feasible, such as sanctuaries. Special solar panels have been installed for the Bhagiratha Mission, providing water through solar power. The TS government has demonstrated how technology can make challenging tasks possible.
Telangana is focusing not just on production but also on conserving energy. The state government’s efforts to save electricity have been acknowledged by NITI Aayog. In addition to implementing the Energy Conservation Building Code, the state government’s swift and robust execution has been recognized as the best practice. Currently, 630 buildings have been constructed in compliance with ECBC norms (as of April 2023), resulting in an annual savings of 370,000 megawatts of electricity. Furthermore, the state government has replaced conventional lights with Smart LED lights in towns, cities, and municipal bodies, resulting in significant energy savings.
In Greater Hyderabad Municipality alone, one billion units of electricity have been saved over the past six years, amounting to savings of Rs. 600 crore in electricity charges. To promote the use of LED lights, TSREDCO, in collaboration with the state government, is installing LED lights and low-power-consumption BLDC fans in government offices, schools, colleges, and places of worship across 100 gram panchayats. The central government has also appreciated the state government’s initiatives in power-saving measures.
Additionally, TSREDCO is actively promoting the adoption of electric vehicles in the state. The state government has introduced an EV policy, exempting registration charges and road tax for 200,000 two-wheelers, 7,000 four-wheelers, 500 buses, and 20,000 autos. Telangana is leading the way by establishing electric vehicle charging stations across the state, aiming to provide convenient access to charging facilities. Our state is also generating electricity from waste to address environmental pollution. Telangana is simultaneously increasing capacity in both traditional and renewable power generation. Within just nine years, we have achieved goals that were once unimaginable and continue to strive for new milestones. Under the leadership of KCR, Telangana will surely scale greater heights in the coming years.
(The writer is Chairman
of TSREDCO)
