Latest news with #ECBC
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister announces no power tariff hike and green energy initiatives
Andhra Pradesh energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Friday stated that as per chief minister Chandrababu Naidu 's directive, there will be no hike in power tariffs, and efforts are underway to reduce electricity charges before the next general elections. He described the newly inaugurated Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) facility as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh's drive to integrate green design into public infrastructure — an essential step toward meeting rising energy demands and tackling environmental challenges. The minister, accompanied by chief secretary K Vijayanand, inaugurated the state's first Super ECBC-compliant building, constructed by EPDCL at Sagar Nagar in Vizag. He emphasised the goal of achieving 20 lakh rooftop solar connections — at least 10,000 in every Assembly constituency — to further the state's renewable energy mission. Highlighting the govt's agricultural focus, the minister reaffirmed the promise of 9-hour uninterrupted daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar irrigation. He announced that the Super ECBC building would serve as a national-level training hub for power sector employees, aiming to reduce field accidents and improve operations through advanced technical skills. Underscoring the govt's welfare push, he said 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months, and reiterated efforts to extend electricity access to tribal and remote areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand noted that the Super ECBC building would act as a live demonstration model to promote awareness around energy-efficient infrastructure. He proposed setting up a dedicated governing body to oversee its effective utilisation. The govt remains committed to providing 24x7 quality power. "Despite peak summer demand reaching 13,000 MW, the state met daily consumption of 254 MU. Under PM-KUSUM, 3 lakh solar pump connections are planned, alongside free rooftop solar installations for 20 lakh SC/ST households, and additional subsidies for 20,000 BC families," Vijayanand said. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat stressed expediting rooftop solar implementation. Local MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao noted that EPDCL reports the lowest power pilferage levels in the state, vital for Vizag's growth as an economic hub. EPDCL CMD Immadi Prudhvi Tej shared that AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent, while distribution losses dropped from 6.5 per cent to 5.8 per cent. He added that 97 per cent of 5.54 lakh consumer complaints were resolved. Updates included 2,000 rooftop solar installations under PM Suryaghar and progress on infrastructure upgrades such as underground cabling and substation commissioning under RDSS. Free electricity connections are also underway in tribal areas under the PM JANMAN initiative. MLC V Chiranjivi Rao, Visakhapatnam collector MN Harendira Prasad, APEPDCL directors, and other public representatives were in attendance.
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
AP's first super ECBC hub launched in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) facility at Sagar Nagar here on Friday, calling it a milestone in integrating green design with public infrastructure. He described the centre as a reflection of the government's focus on sustainable development and energy efficiency. The minister urged power utilities to speed up the target of 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, with a minimum of 10,000 in each Assembly constituency. He also highlighted the government's commitment to uninterrupted 9-hour daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM solar irrigation scheme. The Super ECBC facility will function as a state-level training centre for the power sector workforce—from linemen to Chief Engineers. It houses SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter testing labs, and will also offer induction training to new recruits. 'We aim to make this the best training centre in the country,' said Ravi Kumar. He announced that 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months and assured that Rs 5 lakh was given without delay to each family affected by fatal work-related accidents. The minister also reaffirmed the government's goal to provide power to remote tribal and forest areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand said the new facility doubles as a demonstration model for ECBC standards. APEPDCL CMD Prudhvi Tej Immadi said AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent and distribution losses from 6.5 per cent to 5.8 per cent. MP M Sribharat and MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao praised APEPDCL's role in reforms and project execution. District collector M N Harendhira Prasad, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and senior officials also attended.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
A.P. government committed to achieving energy efficiency, says Minister
Minister for Energy Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) building at Sagar Nagar in the city on Friday. He was accompanied by Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand, MP M. Sribharat, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, District Collector M.N. Harendira Prasad, APEPDCL CMD I. Prudhvi Tej, APEPDCL directors and senior officials and other public representatives. Speaking during a programme organised after the inaugural ceremony, the Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieving sustainable development and energy efficiency. He described the Super ECBC building as a symbol of the State's dedication to integrating green design into public infrastructure. Highlighting Andhra Pradesh's renewable energy goals and vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister asked the power utilities to achieve the target of 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, with at least 10,000 connections in each Assembly constituency. He emphasised the government's support to the agriculture sector through nine-hour uninterrupted daytime power supply, especially under the PM-KUSUM scheme promoting solar irrigation. The Minister noted that the Super ECBC building had been developed as a dedicated training centre for power sector employees, from linemen to engineers, to enhance their skills in advanced technologies. 'Our goal is to make this the top training centre in India,' he said, adding that well-trained staff would help improve field operations and reduce accidents. The government is committed to extending power supply to remote tribal areas, ensuring that no household is left behind, he said. Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand said that the Super ECBC building not only showcases energy-efficient infrastructure but also serves as a live demonstration model to promote awareness of ECBC standards. Designed as a State-level corporate training hub, the facility includes SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter testing labs, and will cater to employees from linemen to Chief Engineers, including induction training for new recruits. MP M. Sribharat stressed the importance of speedy implementation of rooftop solar installations and also commended APEPDCL for the successful completion of the Super ECBC building. APEPDCL CMD I. Prudhvi Tej said that the utility has significantly improved efficiency by reducing AT&C losses from 10.1% to 7.5% and distribution losses from 6.5% to 5.8%. He noted that over 97% of the 5.54 lakh consumer complaints received have been resolved. Updating on infrastructure and renewable energy efforts, he said tendering process for 220 MW solar plants under the PM-KUSUM scheme is in the final stage. Around 2,000 rooftop installations have been completed under PM Suryaghar scheme in Visakhapatnam, he added. The Minister handed over compassionate appointment orders to around 20 beneficiaries. Later, he inspected the newly developed SCADA facility at Pedawaltair and visited the Gas Insulated Substation in the city.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Govt aims to cut power charges before next polls: Energy minister
1 2 3 Visakhapatnam: State energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Friday stated that as per chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's directive, there will be no hike in power tariffs, and efforts are underway to reduce electricity charges before the next general elections. He described the newly inaugurated Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) facility as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh's drive to integrate green design into public infrastructure — an essential step toward meeting rising energy demands and tackling environmental challenges. The minister, accompanied by chief secretary K Vijayanand, inaugurated the state's first Super ECBC-compliant building, constructed by EPDCL at Sagar Nagar in Vizag. He emphasised the goal of achieving 20 lakh rooftop solar connections — at least 10,000 in every Assembly constituency — to further the state's renewable energy mission. Highlighting the govt's agricultural focus, the minister reaffirmed the promise of 9-hour uninterrupted daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar irrigation. He announced that the Super ECBC building would serve as a national-level training hub for power sector employees, aiming to reduce field accidents and improve operations through advanced technical skills. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Underscoring the govt's welfare push, he said 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months, and reiterated efforts to extend electricity access to tribal and remote areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand noted that the Super ECBC building would act as a live demonstration model to promote awareness around energy-efficient infrastructure. He proposed setting up a dedicated governing body to oversee its effective utilisation. The govt remains committed to providing 24x7 quality power. "Despite peak summer demand reaching 13,000 MW, the state met daily consumption of 254 MU. Under PM-KUSUM, 3 lakh solar pump connections are planned, alongside free rooftop solar installations for 20 lakh SC/ST households, and additional subsidies for 20,000 BC families," Vijayanand said. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat stressed expediting rooftop solar implementation. Local MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao noted that EPDCL reports the lowest power pilferage levels in the state, vital for Vizag's growth as an economic hub. EPDCL CMD Immadi Prudhvi Tej shared that AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1% to 7.5%, while distribution losses dropped from 6.5% to 5.8%. He added that 97% of 5.54 lakh consumer complaints were resolved. Updates included 2,000 rooftop solar installations under PM Suryaghar and progress on infrastructure upgrades such as underground cabling and substation commissioning under RDSS. Free electricity connections are also underway in tribal areas under the PM JANMAN initiative. MLC V Chiranjivi Rao, Visakhapatnam collector MN Harendira Prasad, APEPDCL directors, and other public representatives were in attendance.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
First energy-efficient building of Andhra Pradesh to be inaugurated in Vizag today
The first super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) building of Andhra Pradesh, constructed at a cost of ₹14 crore in Sagar Nagar will be inaugurated by Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on June 27. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has sponsored the building with a capital expenditure of ₹5 crore. Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) built it to conduct training camps for the discom staff from 11 districts. This G+2 building has two floors of 14,400 sft each. 'Constructed on the energy efficiency model and equipped with energy-efficient appliances, the building will help save electricity bills,' APEPDCL CMD I. Prudhvitej said. The four important energy-efficiency components of the building are sunlight management with proper window dimensions, use of star-rated electrical appliances, variable refrigerant volume AC and renewable energy systems. All the walls are constructed with cavity walls (walls constructed with two layers of masonry). The outer wall is 8 inches, while the inner wall is 4 inches, with an air gap of 4 inches. With a total wall of 16 inches, triple AAC blocks have been used. Similarly, the windows have also been constructed with three layers of glass panels with a six-inch gap between panels. An under-deck ceiling has been used. A 50 mm rock wood has been used in ceiling, with an air gap between the layers. 'A 50 kW solar roof-top panel has been installed on this building. It is a unique and first such model in the State,' Mr. Prudhvitej said. A senior BEE official from New Delhi told The Hindu that the ECBC was designed to improve energy efficiency in new commercial buildings across the country, and was launched by the Ministry of Power in May 2007. The ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings with a contract demand of 100 kW or 120 kVA or more. At present, the commercial building sector in India is expanding rapidly at over 9% per annum due to strong growth in the services sector. 'Considering the high growth rate in the commercial building sector, the BEE has introduced the ECBC as a voluntary policy measure to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment,' the BEE official said. The targeted beneficiaries of the ECBC are mostly urban local bodies, corporations, power utilities, architects, engineers, builders, firms, developers and even civil engineering students, he added.
