The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission has accorded permission to the power utilities for procurement of 2,000 MW (+or- 20 per cent) power under long term basis through competitive bidding route from the financial year 2017-18.
The permission comes in the light of the representation made by the AP Power Coordination Committee to the commission seeking its nod for procurement of power on design, build, finance, own and operate basis to meet the demand supply gap in future.
The APPCC sought the commission’s nod citing the State’s selection for implementation of the power for all, the flagship programme of the Centre, to provide reliable, quality and affordable service on 24X7 basis to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers within a fixed timeframe in a phased manner.
The APERC said it took into cognisance the commitment of the State government to extend nine hours supply to agriculture sector together with additional energy requirement for upcoming capital city, associated investments, new industrial corridors and new lift irrigation schemes.
The commission, however, wanted the Southern and Eastern Power Distribution Companies to review the power position from time to time and regulate purchases keeping in view the load generation balance within the 20 per cent cushion provided.
Meanwhile, the APERC had announced constitution of a State Advisory Committee with 10 members with commission’s chairman Justice G. Bhavani Prasad as ex-officio chairman.
