The Andhra Pradesh Government has approved a proposal to purchase about 1,000 MW during March and 800 MW in April to meet higher projected demand during summer.

This purchase will be necessitated due to increase in demand and in spite of higher production from new thermal plants and hydel power generation from Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam reservoirs.

Following a review meeting of the power sector in the State ahead of the ensuing summer months where demand spurts, the Government has made it clear that the power situation is expected to be comfortable up to February and shortages are anticipated during March and April and necessary arrangements will be made to address the deficit. The State has made application for additional purchase and has submitted its request with the Regional Load Dispatch Centre (RLDC), Bangalore, to avoid any congestion problems in the transmission set up.

According to a statement from the office of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, today directed officials of APTransco and Discoms to prepare an action plan for power supply for the next five years so that increase in demand from various sectors are be factored in and met by increasing capacity.

During the interaction with officials, he directed the Discoms to maintain sufficient rolling stock of transformers, which will enable them to replace them within 48 hours in case of failure. Though the transmission and distribution losses have been brought down to about 17 per cent, the Chief Minister felt that it has potential to bring it down further by plugging loop holes.

Agricultural connections

In another decision, the Chief Minister wanted the Discoms to concentrate on releasing agricultural connections. Of the 1.5 lakh agricultural connections sanctioned during the year, about 66,000 connections have been released till December 2010. Efforts have been made to ensure that the farm sector secures seven hours of power supply.

During the year so far, the hydel generation was about 3,070 million units as against 1,935 MUs last year registering an increase of 58 per cent.

According to the current demand-supply situation, including demand from the rabi crop requirements, power supply position is expected to be comfortable till February 2011.

With 28.35 lakh agricultural pump sets in the State as of December 2010, fresh connections would be extended by March 2011. Efforts are also under way to segregate agricultural feeders to ensure supply of power 24 hours in villages where industries are located.

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