National Human Rights Commission reviews Telangana electricity charge complaint

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has accepted a complaint regarding the Telangana government’s proposal to recover Rs 5,420 crore in true-up electricity charges from non-agricultural consumers.

True-up charges represent the difference between the actual cost of electricity supplied and the price recovered from consumers. The proposed recovery would be implemented through additional monthly electricity bill charges starting in November 2026, potentially lasting for over two years. The complaint, filed by lawyer Yennam Balachender Reddy, argues that the move will disproportionately impact small businesses, middle-income households, and vulnerable populations.

Reddy characterized the proposal as a ‘virtual electric shock’ and raised concerns regarding Article 14 of the Constitution, alleging the action is arbitrary and discriminatory. He has requested the NHRC to direct the government to defer the recovery until the human rights implications are examined and has called for a public notice period to allow for citizen comments. Additionally, the complaint seeks to prevent electricity disconnections resulting solely from the non-payment of these true-up charges.