VISAKHAPATNAM: Vizag city consumed 6,696 million units of electricity in the 2018-19 financial year. This increased to 8,164 MU in 2021-22, translating to a 22% increase in energy consumption in three years. According to officials, it is the highest growth rate recorded for any city in the state.
As many as 10 gas-insulated substations have been constructed in the city during this time for supplying electricity to industries in Visakhapatnam. The uptick in the demand clearly shows the increasing economic activity in Visakhapatnam.
Similarly, the energy demand in Andhra Pradesh for the month of July 2018 was around 5,081 MU, whereas the demand for the month of July 2022 (till 30th) was 5,312 MU. The Discoms of Andhra Pradesh met a demand of 202.4 MU on July 30, Saturday. It was 194.7 MU on the same day in 2021. The demand of 202.4 MU was met with 59 MU from thermal power generation, 15.14 MU from hydel, 46.54 MU from central generating stations, , 18.78 MU from independent power procures, 5 MU from wind, 23 MU from solar, 32 MU from market purchases, etc. Special chief secretary (energy) K Vijayanand said that the state government is implementing the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Recovery project to install underground power cables in Visakhapatnam at a cost of about Rs.720 crore. “The project has been taken up with the financial assistance provided by the World Bank,” said Vijayanand.
“The Ujjwal Bharath, Ujjwal Mahotsav, programme was conducted at 52 locations in all the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. The programme received overwhelming response from the key stakeholders as well as the general public. The central government officials were impressed with the arrangements and appreciated the Andhra Pradesh government for the efforts in organising the Ujjwal Bharat programme in an effective manner,” said Vijayanand.
Meanwhile, the government has directed the energy department to prepare a comprehensive action plan to improve public participation in the power sector. It is expected to strengthen sector, enhance consumer services, and make welfare schemes under Navaratnalu more successful.
Source: PTI
