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The power shortage in Andhra Pradesh is likely to worsen with generation of 1050 MW capacity in two thermal power plants of AP Genco impacted due to problems.
A 550 MW unit at Kothagudem thermal power station has been taken out of production following some technical snags. The unit officials are likely to take about 24 hours to rectify the problem.
Another 500 MW thermal power unit 7 at Vijayawada thermal power station has been affected due to problems in the boiler. Till such time as both these units get rectified, the State will have to bear additional shortages.
Lately, the energy demand has shot up to over 300-306 million units per day and the available power is about 240-245 million units.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh Government has directed power utilities to make all-out efforts to meet the power demand from the agriculture sector.
It has suggested effective functioning of the call centres to address grievances in power supply .
The Government is providing power to farmers during the ongoing rabi crop season to protect standing crops. The power distribution companies have been asked to ensure efficient functioning of the call centre mechanism to address the problems of farmers immediately.
Hiralal Samariya, Chairman and Managing Director of APTransco, said in a statement that the discoms have been directed to monitor the power supply position and address grievances without delays.
Toll free numbers have been provided for various distribution companies. Samariya said farmers could lodge complaints with the divisional engineer or the RDO (revenue divisional officer) on issues relating to power supply.
The utilities are constantly monitoring the situation to ensure 7 hours’ power supply to farmers. The discoms have also been asked to bridge the shortage in places where seven hours of supply was not possible.
State Chief Secretary Minnie Mathew has also communicated with the District Collectors to highlight issues relating to importance of energy conservation.
The State Energy Conservation Mission has now directed district collectors to spread awareness about importance of energy conservation.
> rishikumar.vundi@thehindu.co.in
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