YSRCP govt favoured one firm for 90% of deals: Gottipati

In a sharp criticism of the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, State Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar alleged that 90% of transformer purchases over the last five years were awarded to a single company. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, he responded to questions raised by MLAs B Balaramakrishna, Kalva Srinivasulu, and Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy.
The Minister assured that the government would ensure the availability of transformers ahead of the agricultural season, preventing any disruptions for farmers. He accused the YSRCP regime of failing to replace even a single electricity pole during its tenure and neglecting transformer repairs. However, he stated that the new alliance government had already begun replacing broken power poles and repairing damaged transformers.
Ravi Kumar said that the necessary transformers for the Rajahmundry constituency would be supplied before summer. He added that under the new government, the distribution of 10,000 transformers across APSPDCL would prioritize support for MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises).
To ensure an uninterrupted power supply, the Minister announced the establishment of 22 new substations within APSPDCL’s jurisdiction, with tenders being called to maximise participation.
Highlighting efforts to cut costs, he revealed that a study by the Energy Department led to a price reduction of power poles from Rs 4,600 to Rs 3,750 and a 20% drop in transformer prices without compromising quality.
The Minister asserted that the government would continue working towards better pricing, increased competition in tenders, and improved affordability while maintaining quality standards for the benefit of all consumers.