The Andhra Pradesh Government, as part of its sustained efforts to provide uninterrupted power supply 24×7 even during unexpected weather conditions has issued clear cut instructions to the power utilities to be prepared to face any eventualities during the cyclone prone months from May to October and to restore normalcy within 24 hours of the breakdown.
During last week due to the heavy gale and rains the power supply was interrupted in some parts of the state especially in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Anantapur districts and the utilities have restored the supply immediately within 24 hours but permanent mechanism shall be maintained to face any worst conditions said Sri Ajay Jain, IAS, Principal Secretary, Energy, I&I, Go AP, while reviewing the power supply position during a teleconference with Sri K. Vijayanand, Chairman & Managing Director/ APTRANSCO, Sri H.Y Dora, CMD / APSPDCL, Sri R. Mutyala Raju, CMD/ APEPDCL, Sri K. Ranganatham, Advisor, Energy, Sri Dinesh Paruchuri, Director (Finance), APTransco, Sri Umapathi, JMD/Vigilance, APTransco, Sri M. Kamalakar Babu, VC & MD/NREDCAP, Sri K.Sambasiva Rao, MD/Andhra Pradesh State Fibre Ltd., (APSFL) and the field staff of around 6000 Nos. up to the cadre of Linemen.
Accordingly the Principal Secretary has instructed all the field staff to take up pre-monsoon checkups like tree cutting, replacement of loose jumpers etc. as breakdowns are likely to happen due to the sudden gale or rain prevailing in the state. All the necessary measures shall be taken up for restoration of supply immediately within 24 hours by keeping material and manpower ready.
While reminding the appreciation received during unprecedented Hudhud cyclone for restoration of system within 15 days, the Principal Secretary requested the field staff to be ready for any unexpected breakdowns by maintaining sufficient stock of poles, transformers, service wires etc. and the availability of the pole trading machines, Emergency Lighting System etc. The Customer care call centres have to work continuously round the clock and inform the status of restoration of supply.
The Principal Secretary also emphasized on 100% household electrification by May, 2016 which is to be declared by the Hon’ble CM on June 8th, 2016 – the 2nd Formation Day of AP. All the staff need to speed up the works and issue paper notification declaring 100% electrification in each district by May, 2016. All out efforts shall be made to reduce the losses to a single digit and to improve the revenue collections.
Ajay Jain, has also requested the field staff to encourage the consumers to install Solar Roof Top with Grid connectivity duly availing the huge subsidy of 50% from the Government. Massive awareness campaigns are to be conducted to educate the farmers about Solar Pump Sets which are available with 90% subsidy. A special team shall be engaged exclusively for these works at mandal level. The GoI has announced Rs.25 lakhs cash incentive to the DISCOMs for highest installation of Solar Roof Tops and Rs.10 lakh cash incentive towards 100% household electrification. Out of these Cash incentives 75% will be given to the Staff and the balance 25% will be given to the consumer selected through lottery. The Power Utilities were successful in achieving all the five National Awards in Energy Efficiency Activities and the same tempo is to be continued even in household electrification & tapping the Solar Roof Tops, said Prl. Secretary. (NSS)