Hyderabad: The proposed pilot project of the Centre for supply of 24x7 power to domestic and industrial sectors in Andhra Pradesh from October 2 is possible, experts said.
However, the challenge before the Central and state governments will be to separate agriculture and domestic feeders in villages to give quality three-phase power supply.
“Round-the-clock power supply can be made in villages even without segregating the feeders. But in such a case, only one-phase supply can be given to houses so that agriculture sector is excluded from 24x7. Agricultural sector needs three-phase supply,” experts said.
Most importantly, power generation has to be increased this proposition. Against the total installed capacity of 8,400 MW, AP is generating 6,800 MW to 7,200 MW as on date. Though the officials claimed that the shortage of power supply has been considerably brought down from 16 million units per day, a week back, several towns and cities are still reeling under power cuts.
Power expert Venu Gopal said AP government should come out with a clear plan on how it will supply uninterrupted 24-hour power to domestic consumers and industries. The infrastructure needs to be strengthened and power generation has to be increased.
“Also, the Central government should announce what the modalities of its pilot project are to make Delhi, Rajasthan and AP as model states for 24x7 power supply,” said Venu Gopal.
However, officials are putting up a brave front and are exuding confidence that 24x7 power supply will commence from Gandhi Jayanti. All possible steps, including stepping up of coal procurement, are being taken to augment the power supply of from the existing 135 million units per day to nearly 150 million units at the earliest.
Stating that the Central government has decided to give 65 MW additional power supply to AP and also allocate an additional four lakh tonnes of coal from western coal fields, officials said this is in addition to a pact with Odisha-based Mahanadi Coalfields for two lakh tonnes of more coal.
This will ensure that the power plants maintain coal stock for up to 15 days to a month.
“Projects worth Rs 1,901 crore are being taken up by AP Transco in EPDCL limits, including setting up of one 400 kv category sub-station each in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and West Godavari districts. Work on a 220 kv sub-station has begun in Vizianagaram, it is yet to be started in other places,” a senior official said.
