Rooftop solar push gains momentum in APEPDCL region
The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) is expediting rooftop solar deployment under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, expanding its vendor network to facilitate prompt household transitions to solar energy.
APEPDCL CMD Immadi Prithvi Tej reported that rooftop solar systems with a combined capacity of 128 MW have been installed for roughly 30,000 consumers across Andhra Pradesh. Within APEPDCL’s jurisdiction specifically, systems totaling 142 MW have been set up across 1,652 connections.
Speaking to The Coastal Times, Mr. Prithvi Tej explained that the installation procedure has been streamlined. A dedicated vendor network now handles the entire process from application through meter installation, eliminating the need for consumers to approach the distribution company directly.
In line with directions from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, this network has expanded to every mandal. Vendors manage bank financing, material procurement, and panel setup. Once details are updated on the portal, meters are installed within three to four days.
The government is also providing free rooftop solar systems to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) households. APEPDCL has identified about two lakh eligible households, with units already installed in nearly half of them.
Meanwhile, electricity demand in the region has surged. While annual demand typically grows by 10%, current consumption is up roughly 20% compared to last year—with June alone seeing a 25% spike. Mr. Prithvi Tej attributed this rise partly to high temperatures and heavy humidity, which drove up air-conditioner usage.
Additionally, strong winds have caused an uptick in power disruptions, with falling trees and damaged poles leading to distribution network breakdowns. In response, the utility has stockpiled essential electrical equipment and set up regional control rooms to ensure faults are resolved promptly, the CMD added.