Hyderabad, Nov 19 (Reporter) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President KT Rama Rao (KTR) has strongly condemned the government's decision to burden apartment residents with the cost of installing transformers to manage increasing power demands in Hyderabad. In a statement issued on Tuesday, KTR criticized the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) for issuing notices to apartment complexes with power consumption exceeding 20 kW, requiring them to install their transformers at their own expense. Calling the move a "Tughlaq decision," KTR accused the government of failing to manage the power supply system effectively. He argued that the responsibility for upgrading the power infrastructure lies solely with the government and not with the citizens. KTR pointed out that the cost of installing a transformer for an apartment complex is approximately Rs 3 lakh, which would translate to an additional burden of Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per household. He estimated that Hyderabad residents could collectively face a Rs 300 crore expense if the policy is implemented. Highlighting the irony, KTR remarked, "The Congress government came to power promising free electricity up to 200 units, but now it is attempting to drain citizens' pockets with an additional Rs 300 crore burden." He urged the government to enhance infrastructure to meet the growing power demand instead of transferring the responsibility to the public. KTR also questioned the timing and rationale behind the policy. “If increased electricity usage justifies such measures, will the government tomorrow ask people to install their pipelines or roads if demand rises?” he quipped. He accused the government of inefficiency and a lack of planning, blaming it for punishing citizens for its mismanagement. He noted that the same authorities who approved construction projects without ensuring adequate transformer capacity are now shifting the blame to residents. "Instead of targeting middle-class families, the government should hold builders and officials accountable for these lapses," KTR asserted. He demanded that the government bear the full cost of installing transformers wherever required and immediately withdraw this "anti-people" policy. KTR warned of strong protests if the decision is not reversed, stating, “If the government does not revoke this policy, I will stand with affected citizens and join them in their fight.” He also criticized the government for ignoring widespread unrest over unannounced power cuts, accusing it of being apathetic to the grievances of residents. Calling on the Chief Minister, who also oversees the Municipal and Electricity Departments, KTR urged immediate intervention. "Governments exist to serve the people, not to impose unfair burdens on them," he concluded...////...