VIJAYAWADA: The CPM on Thursday accused the Andhra Pradesh coalition government of burdening electricity consumers with massive adjustment charges while claiming that power tariffs had been reduced.
Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada, CPM state secretariat member Ch. Babu Rao alleged that consumers had paid ₹21,885 crore in true-up and adjustment charges over the past two years, including arrears, despite the government’s claim that tariffs had not been increased. He said additional charges ranging from 62 paise to ₹1.88 per unit continued to be levied.
Babu Rao questioned why consumers had not benefited from the reported decline in power procurement costs from ₹5.42 to ₹4.90 per unit and demanded a tariff reduction of 52 paise per unit. He also alleged that the government had withheld ₹13,054 crore in subsidies due to power distribution companies.
Accusing the coalition government of going back on its pre-election stand against smart meters, Babu Rao said it was now pushing for their installation across the state.
He also criticised the government’s handling of the 7,000 MW Adani-SECI solar power agreement, alleging that no inquiry had been ordered despite corruption allegations surrounding the deal. He challenged the government to an open debate on electricity tariffs and smart meters.
CPM state committee member D. Kasinath said the party would intensify its campaign against power tariff hikes and the installation of smart meters across Andhra Pradesh.
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