Telangana ERC raises electrocution compensation to ₹8 lakh
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has increased compensation for accidental electrocution deaths from ₹5 lakh to ₹8 lakh in the state.
Compensation to be paid within two months
The commission directed power distribution companies (discoms) to pay compensation promptly and ensure it reaches families within two months of the incident. It said families should be provided a simplified process to claim compensation.
Discoms must submit monthly reports to the commission, detailing the number of accidental deaths, causes and compensation paid. If compensation is delayed, reasons must be explained.
The ERC clarified that compensation paid can be shown under “true-up” in annual revenue filings. Otherwise, the cost will remain in discom accounts.
Power purchase pegged at ₹65,559 crore
For 2026–27, discoms and cooperative power supply bodies proposed ₹72,996 crore for power purchases. The ERC approved ₹65,559 crore.
This includes ₹44,720 crore for TGSPDCL, ₹20,229 crore for TGNPDCL and ₹608.57 crore for cooperative societies.
Despite this, discoms are expected to earn only ₹50,278 crore due to free power supply to agriculture and losses. This leaves a revenue gap of ₹15,501 crore.
The state government has agreed to provide ₹14,000 crore as subsidy. The remaining ₹1,105 crore will be treated as a regulatory asset, without burdening consumers.
Peak-hour surcharge increased, off-peak incentive announced
Industries using electricity during peak hours will face higher charges. The Time of Day (ToD) tariff during peak hours has been increased from ₹1 to ₹1.50 per unit.
Consumers using power between 10 am and 6 pm will receive an incentive of 50 paise per unit. Power used between 10 pm and 6 am will be charged at normal tariff.
The ERC said there is no increase in regular electricity tariffs.
Government defers ₹7,635 crore true-up charges
Discoms sought permission to recover ₹7,635.22 crore under true-up charges due to higher power purchase and fuel costs.
However, the state government requested a one-year deferment, citing restructuring of discoms and ongoing asset and debt allocation.
The ERC approved recovery of ₹5,186.29 crore for 2022–23 and ₹2,448.93 crore for 2023–24 but has temporarily halted collection following the government’s request.
The orders were issued after public hearings on Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) filings for 2026–27.
