AP utilities draw up 10-point plan on 24-hour power for all

As part of efforts to provide round-the-clock power for all (PFA), Andhra Pradesh utilities have drawn up a 10-point formula to ensure quality, reliable and affordable electricity supply to the consumers.
The plan, which covers domestic, commercial and industrial power users, will be in consonance with guidelines issued by the State Government, an official release said here today.
After finalisation and approval from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the comprehensive report would be submitted to the Centre by July 21 for its nod, it said.
Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a Central PSU, shall take up sample survey on demand side management-based energy efficient lighting programmes (DELP) after approval from the State Government, the release said.

"It is the need of the hour to put all out efforts for the success of this gigantic programme of PFA," Ajay Jain, Energy Secretary, was quoted as saying in the release.
Jain, along with K Vijayanand, Managing Director of state-run power utilities APGENCO and APTRANSCO, was speaking at a high-level meeting on PFA attended by CMDs of power distribution companies (DISCOMs) and other top officials of the energy utilities.

The 10-point formula proposed to reduce the demand- supply gap with precise forecasting of requirements of power by all sectors.
It advocated maximising the generation by increasing the Plant Load Factor (PLF) from present level of around 75 per cent to 90 per cent by keeping adequate coal stocks for around 15-day generation and tying up coal linkages for upcoming units in AP. The plan also envisages procurement of extra power through short-term bids (2,000 MW) for 2015-16.

The Government will shortly come out with policies related to solar and wind power, the release said, adding 1,000 MW solar parks would be established in Anantapur and Guntur districts.