Industry sounds alarm on power tariff shock, land policy

Hyderabad: In a rare show of unity, leading industrial, trade and commerce bodies in Telangana on Wednesday urged the State Government to immediately review recent key policy and regulatory decisions, warning that they are causing a sharp rise in power costs, stalling investments and threatening employment.

At a joint press conference at the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), industry representatives flagged the sudden unblocking of lead kVArh billing, which has resulted in electricity bills rising three to five times for several industrial units. They termed the move abrupt and technically flawed, and demanded a phased rollout with adequate awareness. Industry bodies also expressed concern over delays in implementing the Clean and Green Energy Policy, non-issuance of solar NOCs, high open access charges, and the need to restore the earlier Rs.1.50 per unit night Time-of-Day concession. Raising alarm over G.O. Ms No. 27 under the Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation Policy, they said lack of clarity on relocation and compensation is creating uncertainty.

While reaffirming their faith in the Government’s vision of “Telangana Rising", the industry bodies cautioned that uncertainty and unilateral decisions could deter fresh investments.