The state of Andhra Pradesh—which claims to have attained self-sufficiency in the power sector and is recognized as a model state in the country in enhancement of Plant Load Factor in generation stations using eco-friendly measures, promotion of renewable energy efficiency measures—is now gearing up to provide 24x7 three-phase power supply to all industrial feeders even in rural areas.
A statement issued by Chandra Sekhara Reddy, Media advisor, Energy, Infrastructure & Investment, Capital Regional Development Authority (CRDA) here on Wednesday, on the opening day of the National Power Ministers’ conference being held here, maintained that the State was contemplating to take up this huge task by segregating agriculture feeders at an approximate cost of ₹4,000 crore.
It sought the support of the Union Government to help in promotion of micro and cottage industries and huge employment generation in the mandal headquarters, major gram panchayats and villages.
Central funds sought
It said that during the National Power Ministers’ Conference in New Delhi Kala Venkata Rao, Power Minister of A.P. requested Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of State for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, to sanction funds to carry out the feeder segregation in rural areas under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana project which facilitates rural empowerment.
Citing the huge renewable capacity additions undertaken in the state, the Minister requested to consider for sanctioning of special procurement based incentives PBI to AP DISCOMS for meeting the Renewable Power Obligations targets in the state.
It quoted the Minister as having said that the CM was very keen on continuing uninterrupted power supply (24x7) to all urban and rural consumers at global standards and directed to make all arrangements for establishing three phase power supply to the rural industries which is more economical, efficient, reliable system with less losses and provide interruption-free supply, duly monitoring supply through world class parameters of SAIFI & SAIDI.
It said that while appreciating the efforts of A.P. Government in making the power sector self-reliant, the Union Minister requested Mr. Venkata Rao, to convey his special appreciation to the A.P. CM for his outstanding contribution to making the power sector a role model for the country.
