Hans News Service Vijayawada

Energyminister Gottipati Ravi Kumar said the government’s primary goal is to provide quality and uninterrupted power supply while enhancing services to the public.

The minister inaugurated the new corporate office of Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) at Gunadala, Vijayawada, in the presence of MP Kesineni Sivanath, MLA Gadde Rammohan Rao, energy special chief secretary K Vijayanand and CMD P Pulla Reddy.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister expressed happiness over the inauguration of the modern office, built at an estimated cost of Rs 35–40 crore with a total area of 65,000 square feet. He credited the collective efforts of the department staff for earning a good reputation for the power sector.

He said that construction of new substations is progressing rapidly across the state. Following the directions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the government is focused on providing uninterrupted quality power supply without increasing electricity tariffs. He emphasised that there should be no power disruptions or low-voltage issues, and officials are working diligently to achieve this.

The minister further stated that the department aims to improve public perception from the current 80 per cent to over 95 percent. Under the PM Kusum scheme, tenders have been completed to provide free daytime electricity to farmers, and works will commence soon.

Highlighting achievements, he noted that the state has recorded unprecedented levels of power generation using modern techniques. By purchasing power during low-demand daytime and generating electricity during peak evening hours, the state is ensuring no shortages.

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and pumped storage projects (PSPs) are being expanded, and tenders have already been invited at 10 locations for battery storage systems.

He also praised electricity staff for their tireless service during disasters. Recalling past floods and cyclones, especially in Visakhapatnam, he said around 1,500–2,000 personnel restored nearly 20,000 electric poles within 24 hours, ensuring quick restoration of power supply.

Vijayanand said that advanced, human-independent software is being used to ensure transparency in power purchase and sales. He added that the state successfully managed a record peak load of 14,009 mw this year and supplied 275 million units of power without interruption during the summer. The efficiency of APGenco plants has been increased to 85–90 per cent.

He further noted that the APCPDCL building has been developed with a ‘Net Zero’ concept, incorporating solar energy and green technologies to reduce power consumption and achieve carbon neutrality.

CMD Pulla Reddy urged discom officials to continue delivering better services to consumers.