Power sector making long strides, avers APGENCO MD

Andhra Pradesh has reaffirmed its position as a renewable energy leader by securing investments worth Rs 3.92 lakh crore under the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy (AP ICE) 2024, creating 3.3 lakh job opportunities. The state aims to attract Rs 10 lakh crore in investments and generate 7.5 lakh jobs in the renewable energy sector, furthering India’s clean energy transition.
At the 76th Republic Day celebrations held at Vidyut Soudha in Vijayawada on Sunday, KVN Chakradhar Babu, Managing Director of APGENCO, hoisted the National Flag, joined by senior officials, including Kirthi Ch, Joint Managing Director of APTRANSCO, and T. Panasa Reddy, Chief Vigilance and Security Officer of APGENCO.
In his address, Chakradhar Babu commended the progress in the power sector under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar. He emphasised the robust electricity infrastructure and the government’s initiative of providing free power to over 21 lakh agricultural consumers, which has greatly benefited farmers.
Highlighting renewable energy efforts, he mentioned the PM-KUSUM scheme, aiming to solarise 1,000-1,200 agricultural feeders with a capacity addition of 3,725 MW. The PM Suryaghar Muft Bijili Yojana will install rooftop solar panels for 10 lakh beneficiaries. By 2026, all government buildings in the state will be solarised through partnerships with NEDCAP and NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited.
Chakradhar Babu also announced key infrastructure projects, including the 1,350 MW Upper Sileru Pumped Storage Project (PSP), to be completed by February 2029, and hydropower projects at Lower Sileru and Polavaram, which will add significant capacity by 2027. APGENCO, in collaboration with NHPC, will also develop PSPs with a combined capacity of 5,070 MW.
Andhra Pradesh’s transmission network, managed by APTRANSCO, is recognised as one of the most efficient in the country, boasting 373 EHT substations, over 33,000 circuit kilometres of transmission lines, and a system availability of 99.82%. The state recorded a peak demand of 13,712 MW in May 2024 and maintains transmission losses at just 2.69%.
Chakradhar Babu highlighted APGENCO’s ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System, reflecting its global standards adherence. He expressed gratitude to employees and consumers for their contributions and urged continued dedication to strengthening the sector.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Rama Singh Thakur, In-charge Chairman of the AP Electricity Regulatory Commission, in recognition of his contributions to the power sector.
The award was presented by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand. Senior officials, including Director Grid APTRANSCO A.K.V. Bhaskar and Additional Secretary Peddi Roja, along with distinguished guests, marked a milestone in the state’s journey towards sustainable energy and development.