Auto-start motors worry Transco

The rampant use of autostart motors in farms has become a source of concern for TS Transco. For these motors lead to uncontrolled wastage of power as well as underground water.

There are more than 21 lakh agricultural connections in Telangana. Farms get nine hours of power per day — six hours during the day and three hours in the night.

Most farmers use autostart motors for their agriculture wells. These motors don’t have an on-and-off system; they start automatically when they receive power. Due to this, the agriculture sector is consuming more power as the motors runs even when there is no need of water.

Transco has no records about supply of power to the agricultural sector. Officials are also unable to assess the power requirement for this sector. They say that if meters are fixed to agricultural connections, then they can assess how much power is being consumed and can maintain records.

The World Bank, in its power reform recommendations, has suggested meters for agricultural connections to assess consumption of power by this sector.

Twelve years ago, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, as Chief Minister of undivided AP, attempted to get meters for agricultural connections. However, he backtracked on that proposal due to political reasons.

A Transco official said: “It’s not just power. Even water is being wasted and is underground water is drying up.”