Amaravati, Jul 16 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh has recorded its highest-ever electricity consumption for the month of July, with daily energy demand touching 285 million units (MU) on July 15, an official said on Thursday.
Special Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister (Energy) K Vijayanand reviewed the state’s power availability and preparedness for August and September with heads of power utilities and senior officials through a video conference, focusing on ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply despite increasing demand driven by persistent high temperatures and the delayed onset of the monsoon.
“With daily electricity demand touching a record 285 million units on July 15, the government has stepped up preparations to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power supply amid rising demand and the possibility of El Nino conditions,” Vijayanand said in an official release.
He directed power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to make advance arrangements to meet the anticipated demand and procure additional power through power exchanges and the Term-Ahead Market whenever necessary to ensure uninterrupted and reliable electricity supply.
Vijayanand also directed Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGENCO) to maintain adequate coal reserves at all thermal generating stations to sustain power generation during peak demand and stressed close coordination among Andhra Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre (APSLDC), APGENCO, Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APTRANSCO), Andhra Pradesh Power Coordination Committee (APPCC) and DISCOMs for continuous monitoring of demand, resource availability, transmission readiness and contingency planning.
The Energy Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring 24×7 quality and reliable power supply to all categories of consumers through proactive planning, timely procurement of power and coordinated operation of the state power system.
Meanwhile, Vijayanand said power supply to affected areas in East and West Godavari districts was restored within 37 minutes after a technical disturbance in the state transmission network today.
The technical disturbance occurred at 11:53 am at the 400 kV Vemagiri substation after a jumper snapped near the 220 kV bus coupler, resulting in the tripping of all 400 kV interconnecting transformers at Vemagiri, followed by tripping of all 400 kV interconnecting transformers at Guddigudem substation and all 220 kV power transformers at Kamavarapu Kota substation due to overload protection.
The disturbance affected nearly 1,550 MW of load, disrupting power supply in parts of East and West Godavari districts. APTRANSCO activated its emergency restoration protocol, with senior officers, system operators, protection engineers and field personnel isolating the affected equipment, reconfiguring the transmission network and restoring normal supply by 12:30 pm.
Appreciating APTRANSCO’s technical teams, Vijayanand said their coordinated response ensured rapid restoration while maintaining grid stability.
He expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to consumers and thanked residents for their patience during the restoration process.
He said the disruption was purely technical and was addressed in accordance with established grid operation and emergency restoration procedures, adding that APTRANSCO is conducting a detailed technical assessment and will implement additional corrective measures, if required, to further strengthen the reliability of the state transmission system. PTI MS KH
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