Govt committed to provide 24x7 power: AP Energy Min

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy on Sunday said the State Government is committed to further strengthen the power sector both operationally and financially and provide 24x7 power supply to meet future energy demand, achieve energy security and overall economic development.

Minister said, "I can say proudly that during last four decades of my political career, no State Government has given such a huge subsidy and support to power sector like the present government which has given more than Rs 40,000 crore in the last three years."

During a virtual meeting with Energy Department officials on power sector developments, he said that as the energy services are fundamental for fulfilling basic social needs, driving economic growth and fueling human development, the State Government is firm in protecting the public interest in the power sector.

"The ultimate goal of the State Government is to make the power sector vibrant for sustainable development of the State and assure 24x7 reliable power to each and every electricity consumer in the State in future. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is very keen on supplying 24x7 power with high quality and reliability even to the households in the remote areas" he said.

He said that the Indian power sector is undergoing a significant change and the competitive intensity in the power sector is increasing at both the market and supply sides including fuel, finances, manpower and logistics. At the same time, electricity demand in the State has increased rapidly and is expected to rise further in the years to come with the sustained economic growth which will drive the electricity demand manifold.

The electricity demand will be 250 MU per day from March-2023. "Even then, I am confident that the utilities are ready to meet the rising demand," he said

Stating that the government is taking all necessary steps to make AP No. 1 in the power sector, the Minister said that the government has strongly committed to strengthen the power sector in all aspects. As part of this, the government has extended huge financial support to DISCOMs, taken measures to enhance generation capacity and strengthen transmission and distribution networks.

As part of enhancing installation capacity, the commercial operation of Sri Damodaram Sanjeevaiah Thermal Power Station (SDSTPS) Stage-II (1x800MW) Krishnapatnam Thermal Power Plant will start in October, 2022 and Dr Narla Tata Rao Thermal Power Station (Dr NTTPS) Stage-V (1x800MW) by February, 2023.

The government has also announced renewable energy export policy 2020 to enhance installation capacity of wind and solar power which will strengthen the energy sector in the State. This helps AP to export power to parts in India in future besides fulfilling the energy needs. Also the government has planned pumped hydro storage projects in a huge capacity which will help to strengthen 24 x7 power supply and the State will be in a power surplus position to enable it to export to other States as well.

The government entered into an agreement with SECI to procure 7000 MW of solar power to continue the 9 hours day-time free power to agriculture for next 30 years.

Explaining various developments in power sector, Special Chief Secretary, Energy K Vijayanand informed the Minister that under late payment surcharge scheme, the AP was included in the list of 13 States by mistake, which restricted short term access to electricity markets.