AP Strengthening Power Sector to Fuel Industrial Growth: Ravi Kumar

Speaking about the government's efforts to strengthen the power sector, Ravi Kumar said reliable and affordable electricity is central to supporting industrial expansion, economic growth and employment generation.

The minister said the government has invested ₹1,500 crore in providing agricultural power connections and improving infrastructure for farmers. He noted that the state is also implementing solar power initiatives under the Centre's KUSUM scheme, with financial support from both the Union and state governments.

Highlighting ongoing reforms, Ravi Kumar said the government is carrying out works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with 40 per cent funding from the Central Government and 60 per cent from the state. The government is also promoting rooftop solar power on a large scale and has already floated tenders for nearly six lakh solar connections for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe beneficiaries.

According to the minister, the state is simultaneously strengthening its power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. He said Andhra Pradesh has achieved record expansion in substations and generation facilities while maintaining healthy coal reserves of 15 to 20 days to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during periods of peak demand.

Ravi Kumar asserted that the state is relying largely on its own generation capacity and is avoiding expensive power purchases from external markets. When power procurement becomes necessary, he said, the government purchases electricity at competitive rates.

The minister credited Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu's power policies for attracting industrial investments. He claimed that industries are increasingly looking towards the state because of the availability of quality power at competitive tariffs compared to several other states.

He also highlighted the government's Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy, introduced after the formation of the new government. Under the policy, Andhra Pradesh has already granted permissions for nearly 100 gigawatts of renewable energy projects, many of which are currently under development.

Ravi Kumar said these investments are expected to generate employment opportunities for youth, increase tax revenues and accelerate economic development. He added that investors have expressed confidence in Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and the state's ability to provide uninterrupted, high-quality power.

Speaking on reforms in the power sector, the minister said Andhra Pradesh has focused on reducing transmission and distribution losses while enhancing its own generation capacity. He noted that these measures have helped streamline the energy department and ensure reliable electricity for both industries and consumers.

The minister further highlighted several welfare initiatives being implemented through the power sector.

He said around 20 lakh consumers, particularly from SC and ST communities, are receiving subsidies for up to 200 units of electricity.

The government is also extending support to aqua farmers, with assistance being increased from ₹800 crore to ₹1,200 crore.

Ravi Kumar said the government is also supporting handloom and powerloom weavers with subsidised power, providing up to 200 free units for weavers and 500 units for powerloom operators. Barber shops are also being given 200 units of free electricity.

Additionally, the state plans to provide more free agricultural power connections from July and continue offering free electricity support to farmers

"Even while extending welfare benefits to various sections, we are continuously improving our generation and transmission systems so that quality power reaches every consumer," Ravi Kumar said.