₹15,700-crore Power Tariff Hike: Andhra Govt's Secret Burden on Consumers Exposed

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Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's ruling TDP-led NDA government has been accused of planning to impose a massive financial burden of over ₹15,700 crore on consumers through power tariff hikes. According to APCC chief Y S Sharmila, the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) has already laid the groundwork for the increase, despite Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's assurances that electricity charges would not be raised. In a scathing attack, Sharmila alleged that the government has been inconsistent in its actions, issuing a public notice seeking feedback on the proposed power tariff hike. She claimed that this move exposes the gap between the government's promises and its actions, describing Naidu's assurances as 'deceptive' and 'laughable'. The opposition leader pointed out that the government has already caused significant financial distress to citizens through 'adjustments' in power charges, amounting to about ₹15,000 crore in just 18 months of assuming office. Now, under the pretext of tariffs, the government is preparing to extract another ₹15,000 crore from citizens, further burdening those who trusted and voted for the ruling alliance. Sharmila condemned the government's practice of blaming deficits while squeezing ordinary families, describing it as 'unacceptable'. She demanded that the chief minister immediately respond to APERC's tariff hike proposals and clarify the government's intentions, urging him to announce that the proposed burden will be borne entirely by the government. Naidu had earlier assured that the NDA government would not increase power tariffs this year, but Sharmila's allegations have raised questions about the government's true intentions. As the government prepares to impose yet another financial burden on citizens, Sharmila's call for transparency and accountability has sparked a heated debate in the state.