New Electricity Policy To Be Brought In Telangana, Says State Discom

Telangana's New Electricity Policy Underway: CMD TSSPDCL

In a meeting organized by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), Chief Managing Director (CMD) of Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) Musharraf Faruqui said that the state government is focusing on releasing the New Electricity Policy.

Addressing the gathering, Musharraf Faruqui pointed out that the land cost in Telangana is higher compared to other states, posing challenges from land acquisition to the installation of large projects. He emphasised the government’s focus on releasing the New Energy Policy. He assured to address issues raised by associations, including permissions for open access power for new industrial units, suggested amendments to Open Access Regulations, and guidelines to incorporate time limits for granting permission to new units. 

FTCCI Energy Committee Chairman, Vinod Kumar Agrawal, requested to permit Open Access to avail cheaper power and also to reduce the cost of OA by considering Wheeling charges based on power consumed. Immediate Past President, FTCCI Anil Agarwal, has requested permissions for the installation of Waste Heat Recovery Boilers (WHRB) and wheeling of power from one plant to another.

The 40 trade representatives representing organisations such as the South Indian Cement Manufacturers’ Association (SICMA), Telangana Spinning & Textile Mills Association (TSTMA), Telangana Iron & Steel Manufacturers Association (TISMA), Telangana and Andhra Plastics Manufacturers Association (TAAPMA), The Talent Search Sports Development Association (TSSDA), All India Rubber Industries Association, AIREEA, Energy Committee Members, etc. participated in the meeting.
 
The additional issues discussed during the meeting included the issue of enhancement of Net Metering Capacity to 5 MW, wheeling permission for renewable energy, challenges faced by Sponge Iron Units in obtaining necessary permissions and NOCs for Waste heat recovery boilers, and one-time settlement for electricity payment dues to support the reopening of industrial units. FTCCI President, Meela Jayadev, in his welcome address, urged the CMD to consider positive measures to resolve the challenges faced by power-intensive industries, solar developers, and open-access developers.