The New Indian Express ·
El Niño heat pushes power demand in Andhra Pradesh beyond 275 MU
VIJAYAWADA: With rising temperatures driven by the El Niño phenomenon causing statewide power consumption to surge past 275 million units (MU) per day, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply across AP by maintaining plant readiness and securing adequate coal stocks.
Reviewing current demand, thermal and hydel generation capacity, and plant performance at a Secretariat meeting on Thursday, the Minister instructed power utilities to implement proactive operational plans.
Highlighting that average daily consumption had jumped from 218 MU to over 275 MU due to increased cooling and operational needs in the domestic, commercial, and industrial sectors, Ravi Kumar warned that it could escalate further if severe El Niño conditions persist.
To avert supply disruptions, the Minister ordered strict preventative maintenance across all thermal and hydel power stations to prevent unexpected technical breakdowns.
He made it mandatory for thermal generation units to maintain a minimum 15-day coal stock reserve at all times and instructed officials to closely monitor fuel supply chains, coal usage, and stock levels. Looking toward long-term grid stability,
Ravi Kumar urged officials to boost renewable energy generation, with a specific focus on scaling up solar energy projects and driving wider adoption of the PM Surya Ghar rooftop solar scheme.
The Energy Minister emphasised that expanding renewable capacity is vital to buffer grid stress during sudden demand spikes caused by extreme weather patterns.