HYDERABAD: In a major relief to lower category of domestic consumers, Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Friday announced one-time waiver of surcharge on electricity dues. The benefit works out to Rs. 140 crore.

Dr. Reddy took the decision while reviewing the power supply position and consumer service here. He asked power sector officials to approach the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) with the waiver proposal.

The measure would benefit those who consume up to 100 units per month and who could clear the dues in three instalments. While the dues amount to Rs. 260 crore, the surcharge was Rs. 140 crore. Dr. Reddy asked officials to take up with APERC reduction of the surcharge percentage from 25.5 per cent per annum (fixed by the commission) to a reasonable level.

Officials brought to his notice that in several cases, the arrears of the surcharge amount got accumulated because of non-payment of current consumption charges for years together. Dr. Reddy directed them to make suitable proposals to APERC for stopping collection of minimum charges and consequent surcharge for dismantled services in such cases.

Domestic arrears

The Government earlier waived over Rs.22.13 crore of domestic category arrears pertaining to SC/ST colonies/habitations and Rs.1,258 crore of arrears to agriculture consumers. Officials apprised the Chief Minister that the total domestic arrears amounted to Rs. 875 crore as of today.

Dr. Reddy emphasised the need for taking up innovative measures to ensure quality and reliable power supply besides proper billing of the consumption to avoid any inconvenience to the domestic consumers.

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