Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Sunday directed state power utilities to maximize hydroelectric power generation during the ongoing rainy season to address the state’s escalating electricity demand, projected to hit 210–225 million units (MU) per day in September. With peak loads expected to reach 10,500 MW, Vijayanand emphasized the need for efficient hydel operations to reduce reliance on expensive market power purchases and ensure uninterrupted supply during the critical agricultural and festive season.

Speaking at a high-level meeting, Vijayanand noted that current hydel generation stands at 22 MU per day but could rise to 26 MU with optimized operations. “Utilities must fully harness hydel power to meet rising energy needs,” he said in an official release, highlighting the potential to save costs and stabilize supply. The Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) reported that hydel generation has already surpassed 2,000 MU by August’s end, marking the highest output in over a decade, driven by robust monsoon rains.

To enhance efficiency, Vijayanand announced the launch of the indigenously developed Energy Portfolio Management System (EPMS) on a pilot basis from September 1. The digital platform aims to optimize short-term power procurement, ensuring cost-effective energy distribution. He also instructed utilities to strengthen field-level monitoring through district control rooms, coordinate with agriculture and irrigation departments, and maintain critical infrastructure like transformers, feeders, and substations.

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Vijayanand stressed proactive measures, including preventive maintenance and stocking essential spares, to avoid disruptions during peak demand. He urged utilities to raise consumer awareness about energy conservation, particularly during festive hours when usage spikes. The directive comes as Andhra Pradesh braces for heightened power needs in September, driven by agricultural activities and festival preparations, underscoring the state’s push toward sustainable and cost-efficient energy solutions.

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