Special CS to Andhra Pradesh CM Asks DISCOMs to Fast-Track Rooftop Solar Rollout

 Vijayawada: Special chief secretary (CS) to AP CM on Wednesday directing power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to accelerate rooftop solar installations across the state. Following these orders of special CS K. Vijayanand, the Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APTRANSCO) has intensified its push towards clean energy. Vijayanand reviewed the progress in this regard through a video with senior officials, including DISCOM CMDs, engineers and representatives of New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NEDCAP). The officials discussed implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana using the Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) model, aimed at providing rooftop solar systems to SC and ST households. The special CS pointed out that quick implementation of this programme will reduce electricity bills, promote environmental sustainability, and generate local employment. So far, rooftop solar systems have been installed for 20,636 SC and ST households across the state. Of these, 5,027 beneficiaries fall under APCPDCL, 8,548 under APEPDCL and 7,061 under APSPDCL. Additionally, under the regular scheme, as many as 1,29,562 households have been provided rooftop solar connections across all DISCOMs. Emphasising on accountability, Vijayanand underlined that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar are closely monitoring the initiative. The special chief secretary announced that subsidised rooftop solar systems would soon be made available to eligible beneficiaries belonging to the backward class (BCs), thereby expanding AP’s clean energy mission.