Minister announces plans to strengthen power infrastructure across A.P.

Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announced plans to strengthen power infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh to ensure uninterrupted supply, daytime power for agriculture, and expand renewable energy sources. At a review meeting on Saturday, the Minister tasked officials with identifying areas expected to see increased power demand and preparing infrastructure accordingly over the next five years.

The government has allocated additional infrastructure works worth ₹6,200 crore across the State, focusing on transformers, substations, and power lines. Mr. Kumar emphasized the need to strengthen higher-capacity substations and transmission lines as required. He instructed officials to expedite works by deploying additional teams and expedite the implementation of the ₹700-crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) programme.

Officials should identify low-voltage pockets and upgrade distribution transformers, according to the Minister. He also highlighted the importance of drawing up an action plan to ensure daytime quality power supply to farmers and expedite the implementation of PM-KUSUM. To prevent power-related accidents, particularly around hazardous lines, Mr. Kumar stressed the need to take necessary steps.

Regarding solar energy projects, the Minister reported that 6 lakh connections had already been provided to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households under the Surya Ghar scheme. He directed officials to expand the program among backward-class households, with the State planning an additional assistance of up to ₹20,000 per connection over the Centre’s subsidy. Furthermore, Mr. Kumar announced plans to establish an indoor substation at Madanapalle and urged officials to identify land for future substations in advance.