Transco suggested the Irrigation Department operate pump stations mostly during the day to reduce costs. | Photo credit: SPECIAL PROVISIONS
The Irrigation Department has huge debts of ₹ 33,653 crore towards the three power companies till the end of February this year in the form of power charges payable to two distribution companies (Discoms), O&M charges payable to TG-Transco and capital works payable to the transmission company for completed and ongoing works.
According to Transmission Corporation of Telangana Ltd (TG-Transco) authorities, the power charges paid by the Discoms to the Irrigation Department for taking power to run lift irrigation schemes/projects and other needs of the department is ₹27,027 crore. The charges apply for the period from 1 April 2021 to 28 February 2026.
The total charges also include ₹1,745 crore in operation and maintenance costs and ₹4,881 crore in completed and ongoing capital works, both in favor of Transco.
In a recent letter to the Chief Engineer (General) of the Irrigation Department, the Chief Engineer (LI Schemes) of TG-Transco has informed TG-Transco that since the dues are very high, at least ₹500 crore will be released immediately, in addition to the bills of ₹813.37 crore already generated for finance and finance. department.
Releasing such small parts of the overall charges is necessary to allow continued support and to partially alleviate the financial stress facing energy companies, the CE said. He recalled the issue due to ENC’s notice in its letter on CE (Irrigation) Warangal’s request earlier this month seeking uninterrupted power to run two pumps (totaling 62 MW capacity) of Devannapeta Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme pumping station 24×7.
Transco CE further stated that utilities are stressing the need to operate LI schemes’ service stations mainly during the day in view of the availability of cheaper solar power, as supplies during peak hours at night and early morning would be significantly more expensive.
Such an arrangement, scheduling the operation of LI gas stations during the day, would help utilities minimize reliance on high-cost peak power purchases and deliveries. Transco requested the Irrigation Department to re-examine the demand for power supply during the day and schedule it for operation during night hours to reduce the load on the system as well as the financial burden.
The accumulation of huge outstanding dues is also having a serious impact on the financial position and operational sustainability of TG-Transco. Transco CE has requested the Irrigation Department to communicate a revised schedule for operation of Devannapeta Pumping Station to maximize daily energy utilization and minimize financial burden.
Published – 27 March 2026 21:52 IST
