KTR Demands Govt to Bear Full Cost of Installing Transformers
Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao has strongly criticised the government for its decision to burden apartment residents with the cost of installing transformers to manage the increasing power load in Hyderabad.
Addressing the issue in a statement, KTR lambasted the government for issuing notices through TSSPDCL, asking apartment complexes with power consumption exceeding 20 kW to set up their own transformers at their expense. KTR described this as yet another "Tughlaq move" by the government, stating that such actions stem from its inability to manage power supply efficiently. Despite public outcry against this decision, the government remains indifferent. KTR emphasized that the responsibility to install new transformers and upgrade the power supply system lies entirely with the government, not with the citizens.
KTR highlighted that installing a transformer for an apartment complex costs approximately Rs3 lakh. This translates to an additional burden of ₹30,000 to ₹50,000 per household. In total, Hyderabad residents will bear a ₹300 crore burden if this policy is implemented.
KTR pointed out the irony of the Congress government, which came to power promising free electricity up to 200 units, now attempting to empty the pockets of citizens with a ₹300 crore expense. “People are already paying electricity bills based on their usage. The government must enhance infrastructure to meet growing demand instead of transferring this burden onto the public,” KTR remarked.
KTR questioned the rationale behind this new policy, asking why such a rule is being introduced now. “If increased electricity usage is a reason to impose such burdens on citizens, will the government tomorrow ask people to install their own pipelines and roads if usage increases?” he quipped. This policy, he stated, reflects the government’s inefficiency and lack of planning. He called it shameful that the administration is evading its responsibilities to provide essential infrastructure.
KTR accused the Congress government of punishing citizens for its own mismanagement. He pointed out that the same authorities who approved construction projects without ensuring adequate transformer capacity are now passing the blame onto the residents. Instead of targeting middle-class families, the government should hold builders and officials accountable for these lapses, he added.
KTR demanded that the government bear the full cost of installing transformers wherever required. He urged the government to immediately withdraw this anti-people policy and warned that any attempt to shift this financial burden onto residents would be met with strong protests. “If the government does not reverse this decision, I will join the affected citizens in their fight,” KTR declared. He also highlighted the growing unrest among citizens due to unannounced power cuts. He criticized the government’s apathetic response, stating that instead of addressing these issues, it is burdening residents with unnecessary costs.
KTR called on the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Municipal and Electricity Departments, to respond immediately and withdraw the decision. “Governments exist to serve the people, not to impose unfair burdens on them,” he concluded.
