Telangana’s power demand has reached an all-time high of 19,892 MW, according to Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka. He said the state was maintaining an uninterrupted electricity supply despite demand approaching 20,000 MW. The latest figure represents the highest level recorded in the state and has intensified the political discussion around the operation of its electricity network.

Vikramarka said the administration was supplying electricity according to requirements and rejected allegations that consumers were facing supply-related difficulties. He also ruled out any plan to privatise the state’s distribution companies (DISCOMs), transmission corporation (Transco) or generation corporation (Genco). He said there was no proposal to convert any of the three utilities into listed companies, presenting the clarification as a response to claims in the political debate.

The deputy chief minister criticised former minister Harish Rao’s comments on the power sector, referring to Rao’s 10 years in government. Vikramarka said political remarks that demean electricity department staff were inappropriate and argued that baseless claims about the utilities could harm the state’s interests. He maintained that the department was continuing to meet the state’s requirements without disruption.

Vikramarka attributed the sharp increase in electricity demand partly to the impact of El Niño. He also questioned who should be held responsible for the circumstances surrounding the Yadadri power plant. His remarks placed the plant and the availability of fuel at the centre of the discussion about planning for future power requirements.

He said coal availability should have been assessed before the plant was established. According to Vikramarka, Singareni had committed to supplying Grade-9 coal to the Yadadri plant. The reference to that commitment highlighted the importance of aligning power-generation projects with dependable fuel supplies, particularly as demand continues to reach new highs across Telangana.