YSR Congress spokesperson and former MLA Rachamallu Sivaprasad Reddy demanded an immediate rollback of the recent power tariff hike by the TDP coalition government, warning of widespread protests if the government failed to act. He criticized the tariff increase, stating it adds a significant financial burden on 70% of consumers, with each household’s expenses rising by around Rs. 400 per month.
Speaking to the media in Proddatur, Rachamallu Sivaprasad Reddy pointed out a contradiction in the government’s recent announcements. While they introduced a free gas scheme for Diwali, promising to save households Rs 200 per month, they simultaneously raised power tariffs, adding Rs 6073 crore annually to consumer costs. This, he noted, would heavily impact those using 200 to 300 units of electricity per month.
He recalled that despite challenges like COVID-19 and coal shortages due to the Russia-Ukraine war, the previous government ensured uninterrupted power supply without raising tariffs. Reddy criticized the current TDP coalition government for implementing this hike within just four months of taking office.
He further highlighted that the previous government provided high-quality power and significant subsidies, such as 200 free units monthly for Dalit families, free power for dhobi ghats, 100 units for handloom workers, and 150 units for salons. In contrast, he noted that the current administration under Chandrababu Naidu has reduced electricity subsidies for SC/ST communities to Rs 235 crore, compared to the Rs 637 crore provided by the YSRCP government.
