With summer approaching, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed energy officials to prepare for the rising electricity demand. During a review meeting, he emphasized reducing power purchase costs and improving supply efficiency to meet the expected record-high grid demand.

Chandrababu instructed officials to use advanced technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to predict electricity demand accurately. He suggested integrating data on soil moisture and groundwater levels to estimate agricultural power needs. Additionally, he stressed the importance of minimizing power outages by assigning regional responsibilities to staff and addressing frequent supply disruptions.

Nara Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the need to reduce distribution losses by installing meters at substations and feeder levels. He also proposed conducting energy audits and using drones to identify issues in high-loss areas. Furthermore, he advised against installing meters for agricultural connections to streamline operations.

Chandrababu suggested exploring partnerships with GENCO and Coal India to set up thermal plants near coal mines, reducing transportation costs. He also emphasized the importance of solar power projects and battery storage systems to store renewable energy efficiently.

The state recently recorded a peak power demand of 12,260 MW, surpassing January’s high of 11,807 MW. Energy officials noted that January also saw unprecedented electricity consumption of 6,343 million units, signalling the need for robust summer preparedness.

Andhra Pradesh Government is gearing up to tackle the summer power crisis by leveraging technology, reducing losses, and exploring renewable energy options. Chandrababu’s proactive measures aim to ensure uninterrupted power supply while keeping costs in check.