Andhra Pradesh to have 'Green Energy Corridor'

Hyderabad, April 27: Taking forward the state government's initiative towards energy conservation, Rs 3,435 Cr has been earmarked for construction of a 'Green Energy Corridor' for evacuation of renewable energy.

In a meeting with the Energy Department officials to study potential measures for energy cost reduction, Chief Minister Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized on adopting cost-effective initiatives for energy conservation.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to submit a report on the power consumption and conservation by LED lights. He also sought report on the proposed expenditure and time required to replace defective or inefficient 15 lakh pump sets.

He asked the officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply for domestic, agricultural and industrial sectors.

The energy department briefed initiatives that can be taken up for energy cost reduction.

Secretary (Infrastructure & Energy) Ajay Jain said that Andhra Pradesh evolved into a power surplus state. 'There will be no issue with regard to power for the next 3 ' 4 years,' he added.

Meanwhile, the officials suggested that coal blocks in Chintalapudi will strengthen the state's power sector and help in of reduction of costs.

Ajay Jain also suggested promoting Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the transmission business. He also cited examples of Haryana and Madhya Pradesh which effectively implemented the PPP model. "The per capita consumption of the state is 973KW for the financial year 2014-15, trailing behind states like Gujarat and Maharashtra", Ajay Jain added.

The Chief Minister emphasized on implementing initiatives on international standards. 'Ours must be the number one state in the country', he added. Stating that these proposals must bring financial stability for DISCOMS, he added that the impact on consumers must be minimal.

AP Transco Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Vijayanand briefed the Chief Minister on three phases of energy audit to ensure minimal technical loss: transmission ' sub-transmission ' distribution. He also briefed the Chief Minister on real-time energy audit, real-time line management and IT deployment.

The Chief Minister was informed that the transmission loss is currently at 10.08 percent and that has to be brought down to 9 percent by this year end. The officials also informed the Chief Minister that targeting 6% transmission loss will help the state reach international standards.

Stating that power theft is a serious issue, the Chief Minister directed the officials to launch a campaign educating the public. 'Adopt technological user interface for real-time auditing,' he added.

He also directed the officials to digitize the monitoring system. 'There must be online foolproof bills reaching the consumer about power consumption,' Chief Minister said.

Secretary (Infrastructure & Energy) Ajay Jain, AP Transco CMD Vijayanand, CPDCL Managing Director Mutyala Raju, Advisor Ranganatham and Secretary to CM Sai Prasad were present.