Electric Shock Death Ex Gratia Raised to 8 Lakh in Telangana
Telangana electricity regulatory commission increases ex gratia for electric shock deaths to 8 lakh, directs discoms to ensure payment within two months and confirms no power tariff hike.
- Electric shock death ex gratia increased to 8 lakh in Telangana
- Discoms ordered to pay ex gratia within two months
- Telangana electricity commission keeps power tariff unchanged
In a significant relief measure, the Telangana electricity regulatory commission has increased the ex gratia amount for deaths caused by electric shock from 5 lakh to 8 lakh. The revised compensation will come into effect from April 1, marking a notable policy change aimed at supporting affected families.
Authorities have directed all power distribution companies to ensure that the compensation is paid within two months of the incident. In cases where delays occur, discoms have been asked to provide clear explanations for the lapse. The commission emphasized that the compensation must be provided even if the accident resulted from user negligence.
This decision comes alongside the release of retail supply tariff orders for the financial year 2026 to 2027 for TSNPDCL and TSSPDCL. The commission clarified that there will be no increase in electricity charges this year, offering relief to consumers amid financial pressures.
The commission also addressed billing concerns related to rooftop solar users. It stated that excess charges collected under higher tariff slabs for additional consumption should be adjusted in upcoming electricity bills over the next three months.
On the financial front, the power sector continues to face challenges. Discoms had requested approval for power purchase costs exceeding 54,000 crore, but the commission approved around 49,230 crore after review. Similarly, total expenditure projections were scaled down during the approval process.
Despite these adjustments, a revenue gap of over 15,000 crore has been identified for the current year. The Telangana government has agreed to cover a major portion of this deficit through subsidies, while the remaining amount will be treated under regulatory assets.
The move to increase ex gratia reflects the government’s attempt to balance welfare and financial constraints while maintaining stability in electricity tariffs across the state.
