AP boosts staffing, grid upgrades for reliable 24×7 power

Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Thursday told the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council that the state is strengthening field-level staffing and power infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state.

Responding to members’ questions, the minister said adequate manpower is crucial for delivering reliable, round-the-clock power. Nearly 18,000 personnel are currently engaged through contract and outsourcing arrangements across the three DISCOMs.

He added that 5,580 Energy Assistants have been trained under the Energy Department through the Centre of Excellence in Visakhapatnam to improve service delivery. Once fully deployed, they are expected to address more than 77 per cent of existing vacancies. Recruitment for Assistant Engineers (AEs) will commence soon, he said.

On infrastructure, Ravi Kumar said works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme are being executed at an outlay of ₹8,000 crore. Around 75 per cent of the projects, including feeder bifurcation to support agricultural supply, have been completed, with the remaining targeted for completion by April 2026.

In cyclone-prone Visakhapatnam, underground cabling is being installed to reduce weather-related disruptions. The department has ensured swift restoration of power during floods and cyclones, reaffirming its commitment to reliable service across Andhra Pradesh, he said.