In a move that could spark tension between the states of Telangana and Andhra, the latter has decided to demand a share from two new power plants in Telangana, as they were funded before the bifurcation of the state.
The Times of India reported that AP has decided to demand a share from the - 600-MW Bhupalapalli thermal power plant, which is all set for commissioning, and Singareni's power unit, with similar capacity and which may start power generation in January 2016.
According to the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, the power sharing formula between the two states was decided by the Centre, that AP will get 46.11 per cent and Telangana 53.89 per cent from the total power generated in the two states. They should also share the cost of generation accordingly.
This is not the first time that the two states are fighting over electricity.
The water and power controversy started soon after bifurcation, when the Telangana government declined to adhere to the suggestion made by the joint team of officials of the two states to release 10 tmc feet of water downstream from the Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir for drinking purposes.
According to the AP Reorganization Act, operation and maintenance of Srisailam Dam has been given to AP and Nagarjunasagar’s to Telangana, with each state accommodating a share of the other's water and power resources.
The fight often took an ugly turn with police and irrigation officials of the two states clashing publicly. The Centre had to post its paramilitary forces at the dams to enforce law and order.
After various outbursts and both parties taking digs at each other, followed by one threatening to take the other to the Supreme Court, the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) finally stepped in and ordered the release of 6 tmc feet later.
The dispute ended when the two chief ministers met in the presence of common governor ESL Narasimhan in February 2015.
The latest move may reignite tensions between both states.