Andhra reduces duration of power cuts

The Andhra Pradesh government has reduced the duration of power cuts as the onset of monsoon has brought down demand.

The electricity cuts in Hyderabad, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, district headquarters and corporations were lifted. The major cities were having daily two-hour cuts.

The authorities have also increased power supply in rural areas from present 12 hours to 18 hours. The duration of cuts will be reduced from 12 to six hours.

For mandal headquarters, towns and municipalities, the load relief will be only for two hours in two spells, said a statement from the chief minister's office.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who reviewed the situation at a meeting Thursday, directed officials to restore maximum possible power supply to all sectors.

The supply to all industries will be increased from 66 percent to 80 percent with effect from June 15.

The supply situation has improved as the monsoon brought down the temperature, resulting in the fall in demand.

The officials were taking several short term and mid-term measures to overcome the crisis. The state is purchasing 1,250 Megawatt to meet the demand. Under mid-term measures, 550 MW will be available from June 16.