Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy's Policies Resulted in Andhra Pradesh's Shift from Power Surplus to Deficit

Andhra Pradesh's Energy Minister, Gottipati Ravi Kumar, has accused former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy of transforming a power surplus state into a deficit one within five years. Kumar claims this shift resulted from poor decisions and corruption during Reddy's tenure. He stated that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) handed over a power surplus state in 2019, but it became deficit under Reddy's leadership.

Kumar alleged that Reddy cancelled power purchase agreements and pressured solar and wind energy companies to leave the state. This reportedly led to a loss of 10,000 MW of renewable energy. The minister criticised Reddy for burdening the public with his decisions between 2019 and 2024, which he described as ill-advised.

Power Purchase Controversies

The energy minister highlighted that Reddy purchased electricity at inflated rates, ranging from Rs 8 to Rs 14 per unit. This was despite the availability of power at Rs 5 per unit. Kumar suggested these overpriced transactions were intended to benefit Reddy's close associates and earn commissions.

Kumar also pointed out that true-up charges approved by the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) during Reddy's administration significantly burdened the public. These charges amounted to Rs 3,081 crore in 2021-2022, Rs 6,073 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 9,412 crore in 2023-24.

Political Reactions and Future Plans

As the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) plans statewide protests against power tariff hikes on December 27, Kumar criticised these actions as hypocritical. He argued that Reddy himself created the crisis with his policies and is now misleading people through protests. "What else can this be called but a Tughlaq act?" he remarked.

Kumar assured citizens that the TDP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is working to rectify the alleged damage caused by the previous YSRCP regime. He emphasised their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the power sector.

The minister's statements come amid growing tensions over energy policies in Andhra Pradesh. The accusations against Reddy highlight ongoing political disputes regarding energy management and governance in the state.