EESL, APEPDCL join hands to boost clean energy, rural power network
In a move aimed at strengthening rural power systems and promoting clean energy, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under the Union Ministry of Power, has proposed a series of advanced energy efficiency projects in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL).
At a meeting held at APEPDCL’s corporate office in Visakhapatnam, APEPDCL CMD Pruthvitej Immadi and EESL CEO Akhilesh Kumar Dixit discussed a roadmap to integrate clean energy technologies, enhance consumer services, and support sustainable growth across the distribution network.
The highlight of the proposal is the establishment of small-scale solar plants, ranging from 0.3 MW to 10 MW, near substations. These installations are expected to strengthen local grids and improve the reliability of power supply, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. EESL also plans to establish electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under a revenue-sharing model and provide EVs for government use as part of the national e-mobility programme.
To further drive energy conservation, EESL will roll out a range of efficient appliances—including LED bulbs, BLDC fans, super-efficient air conditioners, and induction cooktops—across APEPDCL offices and substations. Officials noted that APEPDCL has emerged as one of the top-performing DISCOMs in the country for implementing energy efficiency measures.
According to official data, Andhra Pradesh’s participation in the UJALA scheme has resulted in annual savings of 2,863 million kWh of power, equivalent to ₹1,145 crore in cost savings and an avoided peak demand of 573 MW. Nationally, EESL’s programmes have saved 47,882 million kWh and ₹19,153 crore, with Andhra Pradesh accounting for nearly 6% of the total.
Visakhapatnam has long been a frontrunner in energy efficiency. Its early adoption of LED street lighting after Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 became a national benchmark, later replicated in several major cities including Varanasi, Jaipur, Surat, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. The successful “Vizag model” also received international recognition at a BRICS conference.
In another notable step, APEPDCL and EESL have launched an e-retail platform allowing consumers to buy star-rated appliances directly through the DISCOM’s portal. Andhra Pradesh continues to lead the national LED street lighting programme, with over three million energy-efficient lights installed across the state.