Discoms asked to chart action plan for kharif

The energy department of Andhra Pradesh has asked the power utilities to chalk out an action plan to meet the requirements of electricity consumers of all categories in the ensuing kharif season.

In a teleconference with power sector top officials, SK Joshi, special chief secretary (energy), said the demand had recorded an all-time high of 320 million units (MU) during April this year, which is an increase of 12 per cent compared with last year.

"The distribution companies (discoms) are able to supply more power to the industrial sector this year, when compared with three power holidays per week last year, in spite of several constraints. Due to change in weather conditions, the demand for power currently eased to around 225 MU per day, which may increase at any time," he said.

Stating that since the rabi season was over and the power demand was gradually decreasing, Joshi asked the discoms to fully focus on providing adequate power supply to the maximum extent possible to the industrial sector.

"The power utilities should give utmost priority for encouraging renewable energy in general and solar and wind power in particular by initiating special measures, besides expediting the ongoing projects," he added.