Thu Dec 26 13:34:32 UTC 2024: ## Andhra Pradesh Minister Blames Previous Government for Power Tariff Hikes

**Vijayawada, December 26, 2024** – Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister G. Ravi Kumar has dismissed the YSR Congress Party’s (YSRCP) planned protest against rising power tariffs, blaming the previous YSRCP government for the issue. He stated that true-up charges totaling ₹18,567 crore accumulated between 2021 and 2024 are responsible for burdening consumers.

Mr. Kumar alleges that the previous government’s policies created a power deficit in the state and that the cancellation of power purchase agreements (PPAs) severely damaged the renewable energy sector. He further accused the YSRCP of purchasing power at inflated rates (₹8-₹14 per unit) compared to the market price of ₹5 per unit, claiming this benefited party associates and facilitated commission-earning.

The Minister explained that while the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) should have finalized the true-up charges within 90 days, their implementation was delayed until after the 2024 elections to avoid public backlash. He asserted that the current NDA government is working to rectify the damage caused by the previous administration and bring transparency and accountability to the power sector. Mr. Kumar directly attributed the financial burden on consumers to former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

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