By Our Special Correspondent
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the Energy Department to write a letter to farmers explaining the benefits of installing meters for agricultural connections. Officials want to inform the farmers that the farmers will not be burdened by the clampdown of the meters and that the entire electricity bill will be paid by the government.
It has been suggested that the pilot project in Srikakulam which has saved about 33.75 MU of electricity has been successful and should be brought to light as part of awareness campaign.
He said that by fixing the meters, the authorities will be able to know how much electricity has been consumed and the farmers should be informed to take steps to improve the quality of electricity supply. Jagan directed the officials to provide agricultural electricity connections to all the applicants. He asked for immediate replacement of the damaged power transformers to supply quality power to the agriculture sector.
The Chief Minister on Thursday held a review of the energy sector and discussed the current coal crisis and its impact on thermal plants in the state. He directed the officials to focus on better production from Suliyari coal mines operated by AP Mineral Development Corporation and to make plans for uninterrupted power supply to industries even during peak demand days.
He said that due to its proximity to the port, the Krishnapatnam plant could utilize coal imports by sea, which would reduce transportation costs and the authorities should look into innovative ideas like coal conversion. Officials explained to the Chief Minister that they have purchased good power keeping in view the growing demand.
They said that unit-3 of Krishnapatnam power plant will be operational from September this year and fifth phase of Vijayawada thermal plant will start generating electricity from February 2023. Demand for electricity is increasing every year but there is shortage in supply coal. That is why the gap between electricity demand and supply is increasing every year, they explained.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Polavaram Power Project and directed the officials to finalize the tenders by December. Officials explained the progress of the works that the construction of two units with a capacity of 115 MW at Lower Seeleru will be completed by April 2024. He said that power supply has been restored to all the houses in the flood affected districts. .
Energy Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Chief Secretary Sameer Sharma, Energy Department Special CSK Vijayanand, Finance Secretary NG Gulzar, AP Transco CMD B Sridhar and other officials participated in this programme.
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