Centre switches on 24x7 dream: MoU signed with Andhra Pradesh for round-the-clock power supply

The scheme will be launched on October 2 and cities and towns will be declared power-cut free in a phased manner. The project will take two years for completion. Once declared a power cut-free state under the agreement, the state cannot give any excuse for power cuts.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Union minister for power, coal and new and renewable energy Piyush Goyal and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Andhra Pradesh is the third state in the country after Delhi and Rajasthan where the scheme is being launched to ensure 24x7 electricity supply to all sectors (excluding agriculture).

Also, five other MoUs were signed for investment worth Rs 80,000 crores in the power sector. Mr Goyal said that AP has the potential of becoming a renewable energy hub. The state government also signed an MoU with NTPC for setting up the 4,000 MW super critical ultra mega thermal power project in Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore. NTPC Chairman Arup Roy Chowdary and AP energy secretary Ajay Jain signed the MoU.

Mr Naidu said the government was focussing on electricity as it was a must for the speedy development. He said all steps are being taken to bridge the power deficit, which was 22 million units when he assumed office. MOUs between NTPC and AP were also signed for a 1,000 MW solar park in Anantapur and 4,000 MW project in Vizag.