PNS|Vijayawada
Heavy gales, strong winds, and unseasonal rains disrupted power supply across several parts of Andhra Pradesh. However, the Andhra Pradesh Power Utilities responded swiftly, taking up restoration works on a war footing and successfully reinstating power in the affected areas in record time.
Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary (Energy), K Vijayanand, held a virtual review meeting with officials from the AP Power Utilities to assess the extent of damage and progress of restoration efforts. He commended the engineers and field staff for working tirelessly under challenging weather conditions to minimise disruption and restore supply promptly.
Vijayanand noted that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar are closely monitoring the situation. He directed officials to ensure continuous services and provide all necessary support to the public. Emphasis was laid on proactive planning and a rapid response to emerging weather-related challenges.
CMD of APCPDCL, A.K.V. Bhaskar, reported that strong winds and rainfall disrupted the supply in all districts under CPDCL, damaging several 33kV and 11kV poles. Of the 129 affected 33kV feeders, 125 have been restored. Out of 482 disrupted 11kV feeders, 477 have been restored, with the remainder expected to be operational by 10 PM.
CMD of APEPDCL, I. Prudhvi Tej, stated that 177 33kV feeders were impacted, of which 176 have been restored. Of the 742 affected 11kV feeders, 699 are back in service. The remaining feeders are expected to be restored by 10 PM.
CMD of APSPDCL, K. Santosha Rao, reported that four 33kV feeders were affected, with two already rectified and the rest under restoration. Of the 13 affected 11kV feeders, nine have been restored and the remaining four are expected to be operational by 10 PM.
The Special Chief Secretary (Energy) underscored the importance of maintaining uninterrupted supply to critical services, especially drinking water facilities. He instructed all levels of the power utilities—from linemen to chairpersons—to stay vigilant and ensure timely action wherever needed.
Alternative arrangements, including rerouting and backup systems, were put in place to ensure power supply to critical services while feeder restoration was underway, thereby reducing public inconvenience and maintaining essential services.
