Latest news with #KVijayanand
Time of India
5 days 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.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
ECBC building inaugurated in Vizag
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agriculture under PM-KUSUM and noted that 180 compassionate appointments were made in 18 months. Chief Secretary K Vijayanand said the building, equipped with SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter labs, would serve as a model for energy efficiency. He suggested a governing body for its optimal use. Despite peak demand of 13,000 MW, the State supplied 254 MU daily. MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, MP Sribharat, and MLC V Chiranjeevi Rao praised the solar initiatives. APEPDCL CMD I Prudhvi Tej reported reduced AT&C losses and high complaint resolution.
Time of India
5 days 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ensure that flex banners on electric poles should not cause accidents, says chief secretary K Vijayanand
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Secretary K Vijayanand instructed the AP power utilities to take all possible measures to avoid hazardous incidents due to the flex banners placed near electric poles. He asked the officials to launch a special drive to remove the flex banners that were hung across electric supply poles and wires with the support of the local bodies. He said that the flex banners often cause outages and accidents. He directed the officials to regulate the fixation of flex banners on electricity poles to prevent such hazards. In a virtual review with the top officials of the power utilities, the Chief Secretary stressed that any disruption in power supply must be addressed immediately and resolved without delay. He asked the officials to ensure quality and uninterrupted power supply to electricity consumers in the state. The Chief Secretary emphasised the need to maintain and strengthen the level of public satisfaction in the electricity department by proactively ensuring there are no inconveniences or power outages. He directed APCPDCL to establish teams at each mandal capable of quickly identifying jumper faults, hanging wires, and low-voltage issues, and to resolve them immediately to maintain uninterrupted electricity. He also advised the use of drone technology to monitor inaccessible areas for jumper or wire issues and instructed that detected faults must be repaired at the earliest. Stating that the state govt places high trust in the electricity department, he urged all employees from CMD down to linemen to work collectively to boost consumer satisfaction and ensure preventive measures, particularly ahead of the rainy season, to avert accidents. The Chief Secretary assured continued power supply to households, commercial establishments, and industries, and advised the department to focus on preventing 'tripping' events (brief interruptions) and eliminate them proactively. He instructed that in any instance of power disruption, alternate power lines should be deployed to restore electricity. He also advised that during repair work, both the power department and ward secretariats should inform consumers in advance. APCPDCL CMD P Pulla Reddy reported that 1,503 agricultural feeders are receiving continuous nine-hour power supply, and residents and commercial consumers across municipalities, mandals, and villages are being served without any load relief. The senior officials explained that 79 of the 81 feeder breakdowns were restored on the same day on June 24. Among 170 failed Distribution Transformer (DTR) units, 110 were immediately repaired, and steps are underway to restore the remaining 60. There are currently approximately 1,440 healthy DTRs in operation. He said that their top priority is to ensure quality and uninterrupted electricity for all consumer categories, and that efforts are on to further strengthen power infrastructure and customer service.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh chief secretary urges officials to make all efforts to set several world records
Vijayawada: Chief secretary K Vijayanand instructed officials to make all efforts to achieve several world records and place the state at the top in the country through the 'Yogandhra' programme, scheduled to be held across the state on International Yoga Day, June 21. The main event will be held in Visakhapatnam. Vijayanand reviewed the arrangements for Yoga Andhra with secretaries and district collectors through a video conference, where he emphasized the importance of working hard over the next two days to make the programme a success. The chief secretary directed district collectors to organize yoga events with at least 5,000 people in each district center. Steps are being taken to organize the Yogandhra programme in over 1.5 lakh venues across the state, with 1.28 lakh venues already registered. The govt has set a target to ensure participation of of over 2 crore citizens in the programme. Vijayanand urged the collectors to take special steps to provide arrangements like public address systems, live screening, and drinking water at the venues. He also directed officials to upload the number of participants and photos in the in-charge login and ensure accurate data entry to achieve world records. Meanwhile, special chief secretary (medical and health) and state nodal officer M T Krishna Babu, who participated virtually in the video conference, said that the arrangements are almost complete to successfully organize the International Yoga Day in Visakhapatnam.
