Transfer of 30.63 lakh farm electricity connections to Rythu Discom is conspiracy to end 24x7 free power, alleges Harish Rao

Agricultural pump-sets (30,60,821) are part of the farm-related power connections to be transferred to Telangana’s Rythu Discom. The image is used for representative purposes only. | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL HYDERABADDeputy Leader of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Legislature Party and former minister T. Harish Rao has accused the Congress Government in Telangana of conspiring to discontinue 24x7 free power supply to agricultural pump-sets by handing over all farm-related power connections to the new Discom — Rythu Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd (TGRPDCL), despite serious objections raised by power sector experts, farmers, social scientists, employees and political parties.Opposes G.O.17 on transfer of 30.63 lakh farm-related power connectionsOpposing the G.O. 17 issued by the State Government on Monday (October 12, 2026) to transfer all farm-related power connections (30,62,853) — agricultural pump-sets (30,60,821), lift irrigation schemes (512), Hyderabad Metro Water Supply (105), CPWS/Mission Bhagiratha (1,145) and water connections with separate DTRs (270) — Mr. Rao said on Tuesday (October 13, 2026) that it was an indication of government’s dictatorial attitude against the farming community.He demanded that the G.O. be withdrawn immediately. Instead of explaining to people as to how the Rythu Discom would benefit farmers and ensure quality power supply, the government was acting adamantly and going ahead with the new Discom.Power sources for Discoms in TelanganaHe sought to know if 2,000 staff of the Rythu Discom would handle supervision and the management of a distribution network with nearly 30.63 lakh connections, that too by allocating only 25% of thermal power procured by the Discoms to the third Discom. The Rythu Discom would have 6,15,651 agriculture transformers (DTRs) and 2.5 lakh circuit km of LT lines. The Discoms were sourcing 53.28% energy needed from the thermal power sector and the share of solar power was only 35.31%.Solar power only during day, hydel only for 3-4 monthsMr. Rao stated that the Rythu Discom was allocated 25% thermal, 58% solar and 17% hydel from out of the energy allocation made to all Discoms. The 58% allocation (solar) made to Rythu Discom would be available only during the day hours as solar power generation was not possible during the nights. It would allow power supply to farm connections only during day time and the hydel power (2,325 MW) generated mostly for 3-4 months a year at full-scale was also entirely allocated to the Rythu Discom.Loans to make financial stability of new Discom uncertain from day oneHuge loans and dues are also being transferred to the new Discom , making its financial stability uncertain from day one and leaving the possibility of farm connections getting assured power supply uncertain, he claimed and demanded that the government give an assurance about 24x7 quality free power supply to the farm sector. Published - October 13, 2026 02:09 pm IST