The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated a monumental ₹5,500 crore investment into its power infrastructure, a move designed to address the steadily increasing electricity demands across residential, industrial, and agricultural sectors. Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announced this significant development to the Legislative Council on Tuesday, confirming that enhancement projects are currently active at 68 locations under the state’s power transmission corporation, APTRANSCO.
Minister Ravi Kumar highlighted that Andhra Pradesh’s electricity consumption is growing at a substantial annual rate of 6–8%. This surge has led to challenges such as network overloads and fluctuating low voltage conditions. To proactively combat these issues and fortify the power grid, 14 brand-new major substations are under construction, alongside an additional 63 new 33 kV substations spread throughout the state.
Currently, the state boasts a robust power network comprising 18 substations of 400 kV, 113 of 220 kV, and 244 of 132 kV. Minister Ravi Kumar proudly stated that the collaborative efforts of the coalition government have been instrumental in effectively managing and meeting unprecedented peak electricity demands.
Emphasizing a forward-thinking approach, he underscored the strong alignment between the state’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy and its new Industrial Policy. This strategic synergy is attracting numerous large-scale industries to sign agreements with Andhra Pradesh. To guarantee a consistent and reliable power supply for these crucial industrial operations, the IT, Industries, and Energy Departments are working in close coordination.
Furthermore, to specifically address the intricate power challenges faced by urban areas, a cutting-edge Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Centre has been established in Visakhapatnam. This advanced facility is capable of real-time monitoring for 110 substations within the city, enabling immediate detection and swift resolution of any technical glitches, thereby significantly enhancing overall power reliability for urban residents and businesses.
Concluding his address, Mr. Ravi Kumar reassured the legislative body and the public of the government’s unwavering commitment. He affirmed that all power-related complaints would receive prompt attention and resolution, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted electricity supply for all citizens of Andhra Pradesh.