AP Steps Up Clean Energy Push With 100 GW Projects

Tirupati: Andhra Pradesh is stepping up its shift towards clean energy, with projects having a combined generation capacity of 100 GW under agreement and one lakh rooftop solar systems installed in six months, energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a meeting with APSPDCL officials in Tirupati, he said the state was working to provide quality and uninterrupted power supply. One lakh rooftop solar systems had been installed at the houses of SC and ST consumers under APSPDCL limits in six months, he said, adding that AP had secured fourth position nationally in rooftop solar installations.

Ravi Kumar said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was regularly reviewing the installation of rooftop solar systems for six lakh SC and ST consumers under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. He warned of action against contractors failing to complete the works on time.

The minister said reduced hydropower generation due to El Niño conditions had increased dependence on thermal and solar power. He directed officials to speed up distribution network strengthening under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme and feeder-level solarisation under PM KUSUM to provide farmers nine hours of daytime power.

He also asked officials to strengthen the 1912 consumer service centre and resolve complaints quickly. Steps should be taken to prevent electrical accidents by identifying low-hanging power lines and dangerously located transformers in residential areas, he said. Ravi Kumar said 629 assistant executive engineer posts were being filled to address staff shortages and improve consumer services. Earlier, he distributed appointment orders to 46 people selected under compassionate appointments in APSPDCL.