Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the AP-Genco to complete the 960 MW (12 X 80 MW) Polavaram hydel project at least six months ahead of the schedule. He has also directed the officials of the Energy Department to increase the renewable energy capacities.
In a teleconference with the officials on Sunday, Mr. Naidu said the government was making its best efforts to supply quality power to the consumers without enhancing tariffs in the future.
Since the demand for electricity would increase due to rapid economic growth, the power utilities need to implement a time-bound plan for enhancement of installed capacities and complete the ongoing projects in the stipulated time-frame.
Stating that there was a strong correlation between the GDP growth and increase in power generation capacity, he said several global entities had evinced interest in setting up their units in the State because of the measures taken on the energy and water security fronts.
Second phase reforms
Mr. Naidu said, with the second phase reforms, A.P. bagged the number one position in the power sector in just four years, and every family had benefited with the 24 x7 power supply. Besides, there was no increase in the charges. Energy Minister K. Kala Venkata Rao said the solar power tariffs, which stood at ₹6.50 per unit in 2014, came down to ₹2.70 per unit. Predicting the trend, the State government attached top priority to the generation of wind and solar power.