Andhra Pradesh is poised to add about 4,000 MW by December-March next, which is expected to significantly ease the demand supply situation in the State.
The capacity addition will come from 1,600 MW project at Krishnapatnam, 600 MW from Bhupalapally of AP Genco, 1,040 MW of Hinduja National Power Ltd and from another project in Ramagundam.
In addition, the State will have access to power from NTPC Tuticorin project and NTPC joint venture project at Vallur in Tamil Nadu, according to Hiralal Samaria, Chairman and Managing Director of AP Transco.
Addressing a press conference here today, he said that AP Genco is at advanced stage of commissioning at least three projects, including two units of 800 MW at Krishnapatnam, another one at Bhupalapally.
"We are sure, consumers will be able to access more than 3,000 mw by December 2014," he said.
In addition, wind and solar projects will augment new capacities.
Referring to the current power supply situation, he said that the demand has now come down with the rabi crop season coming to an end. The demand supply gap has now come down to about 45 million units per day from a high of about 70 million units.
"If things continue this way, we will consider further streamlining the supply. However, during next two months, again the demand is likely to go up. In June, yet again farmers begin to use pump sets," he said.
To bridge the gap, he said tenders have been called for and will be finalised shortly. The State electricity regulator has already approved the move.
The power shortage due to poor gas supplies and low water levels in reservoirs added to the State’s woes. "Even due to the grid limitations, we cannot access more power from other regions. But with the commissioning of the East-West corridor, South will be able to access about 2,200 MW," he said.
Referring to the restructure of discoms as mandated by the Centre, he said Andhra Bank has been appointed to facilitate the process. This would help significantly bring down the debt and also investment in new projects.
AP Transco expects to shortly finalise the developers under the State solar policy.