Heatwave Strains Power Grid in AP; Minister Urges Use of 1912 Helpline
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Tuesday advised consumers across the State to use the toll-free number 1912 to register electricity complaints and access real-time updates, as extreme weather conditions continue to cause intermittent disruptions in power supply.
Speaking to the media in Amaravati, the Minister said rising temperatures and sudden evening thunderstorms were affecting distribution systems in several regions. He noted that daytime temperatures nearing 48°C, coupled with strong winds, were placing heavy pressure on the transmission network.
He said restoration of supply is being prioritised wherever transformers are damaged due to overload or weather-related incidents, adding that repair work typically takes two to four hours under such conditions.
Ravi Kumar praised the electricity department personnel for working in difficult and hazardous environments to restore power. He also referred to a recent incident in Sattenapalli, where two employees narrowly escaped injury while repairing a transformer during extreme heat.
He further said that falling unauthorised hoardings during strong winds were contributing to disruptions in several areas. The Energy Department, in coordination with the Municipal Administration Department, is taking steps to remove illegal structures to prevent such incidents, he said.
The Minister said electricity consumption in the State had surged significantly due to the heatwave. While sufficient power was available, he said transmission bottlenecks were emerging due to high demand and adverse weather conditions.
He reiterated that there were no power cuts, either scheduled or unscheduled, anywhere in Andhra Pradesh. The coalition government, he said, had initiated large-scale substation construction projects, claiming that no new substations were built during the previous regime.
According to him, 30 new substations are expected to be completed by September to strengthen the grid and improve load management.
Earlier, the Minister held a virtual review meeting with the Chairmen and Managing Directors of DISCOMs and senior officials of Transco. He instructed officials to improve efficiency and accountability in power supply management.
He also expressed dissatisfaction over delays in the construction of 132 kV, 220 kV, and 400 kV substations, directing officials to adhere strictly to deadlines. He further ordered full strengthening of 1912 call centres across DISCOMs with adequate staffing and infrastructure to ensure faster grievance redressal.