AP Chambers Welcomes Power Relief, Seeks More Reforms

 Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Federation (AP Chambers) has welcomed the state government's decision to reduce the second True-Up power charges, describing it as a major relief for industries and businesses.

AP Chambers president Potluri Bhaskara Rao thanked Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for fulfilling his assurance to gradually reduce power costs for industry. He also welcomed the government's commitment to keep electricity tariffs unchanged for the next three years through improved efficiency in the power sector.

According to AP Chambers, the combined benefit of last year's True-Down and the latest True-Up reduction amounts to Rs 1,863 crore, providing significant relief to industries, MSMEs, commercial establishments and other consumers. The federation said the move would improve industrial competitiveness and reduce operating costs.

The federation, however, urged the government to introduce additional reforms to promote renewable energy and further reduce the cost of doing business. It sought an increase in the net metering limit from 500 kVA to at least 1 MW, abolition of minimum billing and exemption from open access charges for captive and group captive consumers in the MSME and allied sectors.

AP Chambers said these measures would encourage greater adoption of renewable energy, strengthen the state's industrial ecosystem and improve Andhra Pradesh's competitiveness as an investment destination.