Andhra Pradesh on Alert as Minister Orders Power Utilities to Tackle El Niño Effects
Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday directed power utilities to remain on high alert during August, September and October in light of the El Niño phenomenon's impact on the power sector.
Reviewing preparedness at the Secretariat, Mr. Ravi Kumar instructed officials of APGenco and APTransco to work closely together to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent inconvenience to consumers.
Noting that hydroelectric and wind power generation have declined due to deficient rainfall this year, the Minister asked officials to focus on thermal power generation while also stepping up renewable energy output.
He directed utilities to maintain coal stocks sufficient for at least 15 days of generation and advised procuring imported coal when the U.S. dollar and market indices are favourable.
The Minister stressed the need to meet the current daily demand of about 280 million units without disruption and called for greater utilisation of Battery Energy Storage Systems.
APGenco Managing Director S. Nagalakshmi and senior officials of the Energy Department and power utilities attended the meeting.
