In a stern directive, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand has warned of stringent action against any intentional delays in executing critical power sector schemes, with a special focus on rooftop solar installations for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households. The warning came during a high-level review meeting held on Sunday, where he emphasized time-bound completion of all ongoing projects.
Major Push for Rooftop Solar and SC/ST Welfare
Vijayanand specifically directed the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL) and district officials to accelerate the pace of work. The meeting concentrated on the implementation of the Centre's flagship schemes in the CRDA, Guntur, Krishna, and NTR circles.
Officials informed the Chief Secretary that under the consumer-led model of the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijili Yojana, more than 1,00,000 applications have been received in these four circles alone. Of these, approximately 16,000 installations have been completed, aggregating a capacity of 57 MW.
For the Utility-Led Aggregator (ULA) model, which targets solarisation for SC/ST households, nearly 1,90,000 eligible consumers have been identified. Roof surveys have been completed and consent obtained from almost all beneficiaries. Projects are planned across 21 divisions, and Vijayanand instructed APCPDCL to fast-track these installations.
Review of Feeder Solarisation, RDSS, and Smart Metering
The review also covered the PM-KUSUM Component-C, which involves feeder-level solarisation. Vijayanand noted that projects exceeding 190 MW capacity, benefiting over 76,000 agricultural pump sets, have been tendered at a competitive tariff of Rs 3.09 per unit. He instructed officials to ensure timely land finalisation and execution of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Regarding the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Chief Secretary directed contractors to complete all loss-reduction works—including feeder segregation, system strengthening, and conductor replacement—by March 2026. It was updated that 100% feeder metering has been achieved, with smart metering progressing steadily. Officials were asked to expedite remaining works and strengthen supervision to meet the targets for reducing losses and improving reliability.
Fast-Tracking EV Charging Infrastructure
Plans for developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive Scheme were also discussed. The proposal includes setting up facilities at over 90 locations with more than 450 charging points across the four districts. Vijayanand called for fast-tracking approvals, enhancing inter-departmental coordination, and ensuring early commissioning of these stations.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need for close monitoring at circle and division levels, faster land finalisation for solar projects, and overall improvements in system reliability and consumer service standards.
The meeting was attended by district collectors Thameem Ansaria, DK Balaji, G Lakhsmisha, JMD APTRANSCO G Surya Sai Praveen Chand, CMD APCPDCL P Pulla Reddy, Directors TVSN Murthy and Murali Krishna Yadav, VC & MD NREDCAP M Kamalakar Babu, and other senior officials.
