No Power Shortage in AP Despite Record Heat, Says Gottipati Ravi Kumar
The energy minister also said unauthorized hoardings and flex banners were damaging electricity lines during heavy winds and warned of strict action against illegal installations.
Vijayawada: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Tuesday clarified that the sporadic power interruptions reported from some districts were caused by technical issues arising from unprecedented electricity demand and not due to any power shortage.
Addressing the media in Amaravati, the minister said temperatures touching nearly 49 degrees Celsius in several regions had led to a sharp rise in power consumption. The state has adequate power, he said, and ruled out any power cuts.
Ravi Kumar said transformers were overheating and transmission lines getting damaged because of excessive load and extreme weather conditions. He urged consumers to contact the toll-free helpline 1912 for immediate assistance, adding that dedicated call centres under all three DISCOMs were functioning round-the-clock with additional manpower.
The minister said strong winds and unseasonal rains were also causing electricity poles to collapse and conductors to snap in several districts, resulting in temporary disruptions.
He praised electricity personnel for working continuously to restore supply and appealed to the public to cooperate during emergency repair works.
Criticising the previous YSR Congress government, Ravi Kumar alleged that no substations were built during its five-year tenure. The present government had launched transmission infrastructure projects worth nearly ` 6,000 crore, with several substations expected to be completed by October this year, he said.
The energy minister also said unauthorized hoardings and flex banners were damaging electricity lines during heavy winds and warned of strict action against illegal installations.
