The Andhra Pradesh Government is planning to develop a Rs 3,435-crore ‘Green Energy Corridor’ for evacuation of renewable energy.
At a meeting with the energy department officials to study the potential measures for energy cost reduction, the Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, has emphasised on adopting cost-effective initiatives for energy conservation, while taking stock of the renewable energy sector progress.
The Chief Minister has directed the officials to submit a report on power consumption and conservation by LED lights. He has also sought a report on the proposed expenditure and time required to replace defective or inefficient 15 lakh pump sets.
The focus is now on to ensure uninterrupted power supply for domestic, agricultural and industrial sectors.
The energy department has briefed the initiatives that could be initiated for energy cost reduction.
The State Secretary for Infrastructure and Energy, Ajay Jain, has said that Andhra Pradesh has evolved into a power surplus state. “There will be no issue with regard to power for the next 3-4 years,” he added.
Meanwhile, the energy department officials have suggested that Chintalapudi coal blocks would strengthen the State’s power sector and help in reduction of costs.
Ajay Jain has also suggested promoting Public Private Partnership (PPP) in transmission business and cited the examples of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh where the PPP model is implemented.
"The per capita consumption of the State is 973 units for the financial year 2014-15, trailing behind Gujarat and Maharashtra", Ajay Jain said.
The Chief Minister wanted the power sector officials to ensure financial stability for discoms, while minimising the impact on consumers.
AP Transco Chairman and Managing Director K Vijayanand has briefed the Chief Minister on three phases of energy audit to ensure minimise technical losses in both transmission and distribution.
The State has brought down the transmission loss to 10.08 per cent and proposes to take it down to 9 per cent by this financial year-end. The long-term plan is to bring it down to 6 per cent taking it to closer to international standards.
Stating that power theft is a serious issue, the Chief Minister has directed the officials to launch a campaign educating the public and curb the menace.