Revanth Reddy to review power sector today, key issues on TG Lifts Act, e-meters, QR billing

Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is set to chair a high-level review of the energy department today, with critical issues related to billing reforms, metering, and administrative transparency on the agenda.

Officials expect deliberation on the draft Telangana State Lifts and Escalators Act, 2025, which proposes safety, regulatory, and licensing provisions for vertical transport systems. The draft has been circulated but not formally tabled.

The appointment of civil director Ajay at GENCO without formal government orders is also likely to surface, with questions around his presence at the meeting and the legality of his role.

A contentious proposal to install new electronic meters, which could impose an average ₹5,000 burden on domestic users, is slated for discussion. The move has drawn resistance from consumer advocacy groups and farmer associations.

CMO sources indicated that officials will review the inclusion of QR codes on electricity bills to streamline digital payment access and improve invoice transparency. Also on the agenda: potential integration of power bill payments into the Centre’s Bharat Pay platform.

A decision is expected on the status of prepaid meters earlier installed in government offices. Usage tracking and billing irregularities have prompted a reassessment of their deployment and efficiency.

The meeting may also address misuse of the 200-unit free power scheme, with enforcement actions likely against households found tampering or over-drawing through illegal means.

Officials are expected to seek a mechanism for regular internal efficiency reporting by DISCOMs and GENCOs. CM Reddy is said to be pushing for monthly accountability metrics from all power utilities.