Khammam (Telangana), June 18 (UNI) “Electricity means Congress… Congress means electricity,” declared Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu while inaugurating 1912 electric ambulance services and a medical camp for electricity department employees at Khammam district headquarters on Wednesday.
Highlighting the Congress government's historical contributions to power infrastructure, the Deputy CM said that all phases (I–VII) of the Kothagudem Thermal Power Station were initiated and completed during Congress regimes.
In contrast, he alleged that during the decade-long rule of the BRS, not a single additional unit of power was generated, and incomplete energy projects were left abandoned, creating policy confusion in the sector.
Bhatti noted a rise in power demand since the Congress came to power. In March 2025, Telangana saw a peak demand of 17,162 MW, up from 15,000 MW in March 2023. He emphasised that uninterrupted power supply was ensured despite the increased demand and said the department is fully prepared to handle further consumption surges.
He cited a Central government projection that electricity demand in the state will reach 26,299 MW by 2029-30 and 33,773 MW by 2034-35. The state government is already making plans to meet this future requirement. As part of this effort, the New Green Energy Policy–2025 was launched and production agreements worth Rs 1 lakh crore have been signed. The aim is to generate 20,000 MW of green power by 2029–30.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to farmers, the Deputy CM said 24-hour free electricity is being provided to 29,000 agricultural pump sets, costing the state Rs 11,500 crore annually. Similarly, free power up to 200 units is being given to over 50.71 lakh poor households, with the Finance Department covering Rs 2,293 crore in power bills.
An additional Rs 198 crore is being paid for electricity in 29,018 government schools, bringing the total support through free power schemes to Rs 13,992 crore per year.
The Deputy CM also formally launched the 1912 electric ambulance service, similar to the 108 medical emergency service. Citizens facing power issues can dial 1912 to receive immediate assistance.
The service will dispatch a team of engineers, repair personnel, transformers, equipment, and an ambulance within minutes, he explained.
Praising the dedication of electricity staff, Bhatti commended their service during floods and high-demand situations. He assured them that the government is committed to their welfare, with accident insurance of Rs 1 crore extended to all linemen — a first-of-its-kind scheme in the country.
UNI VV PRS