CPI(M) calls for fight against power tariff hike in Andhra Pradesh

CPI(M) leaders raise awareness of steep electricity bill increases imposed by NDA government, urging public to protest.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) leaders toured Ajithsingh Nagar and other areas of the city on Monday to raise awareness of the steep increase in electricity bills.

CPI(M) State committee member Ch. Babu Rao said that it was outrageous that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has imposed a burden of ₹15,484 crore towards electricity charges on the people within just five months of coming to power.

It is outrageous that ₹6,072 crore in adjustment charges for electricity consumed in the years 2022-23 are being collected from the people now. From next month, an additional ₹9,412 crore in adjustment charges for 2023-24 will be imposed. Already, the true-up charges for 2014-19 and 40 paise adjustment charges have been collected on last month’s bills, he said.

He said a third adjustment charge had been added to the bills recently, and preparations are under way for a fourth one next month. From this month onwards, the bills have increased by 10% to 30%, placing a heavier burden on the poor. 

Citing a few instances, Mr. Babu Rao said that Lingam Venkata Lakshmi from Ajitsingh Nagar received a bill of ₹958, out of which ₹282 (30% is the adjustment charge for 2022-23). 

The increase in electricity charges is due to policies designed to benefit large corporations. He added that the public must raise its voice against these increased charges and hold the central and state governments accountable.