In a rare gesture, power utilities inAndhra Pradeshhave decided to pass on Rs 126 crore they saved through cost-effective power purchases back to users. The companies have submitted proposals to the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission (APERC) seeking approval to return the money in the first quarter of 2021-22 to domestic consumers.

There have been instances earlier of true-up charges where power distribution companies have sought an increase in tariff. But this is perhaps the first time in the country that they have decided to pass on the to the consumers through true-down charges.

About 1.45 crore domestic consumers will benefit from the gesture. The state has about two crore power consumers including about 55 lakh high-tension consumers. The HT consumers, however, will not get the benefit.