Latest news with #APCPDCL
News18
29-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Andhra Chief Secretary directs officials to expedite power schemes
Amaravati, July 29 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K Vijayanand on Tuesday directed officials of Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) to accelerate the implementation of major power sector schemes. Vijayanand chaired a meeting at the Bapatla collector office with APCPDCL, Energy Department and district officials to review the status of centrally sponsored schemes. 'APCPDCL officials should work towards accelerating the implementation of major power sector schemes," said Vijayanand in an official press release. The Chief Secratary instructed officials to focus on the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar power scheme), PM-KUSUM (ensures energy security for farmers) Component-C and smart metering initiatives. Timely execution of sanctioned works and visible outcomes in the field are essential for improving reliability and consumer satisfaction, said Vijayanand. Progress under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was examined and the Chief Secretary directed officials to expedite rooftop solar installations, proper synchronization and timely subsidy disbursal to beneficiaries. He also reviewed PM-KUSUM Component-C, instructing teams to resolve land issues and fast-track feeder-level solarisation across the districts. PTI MS STH ROH view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 20:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hans India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Protests erupt over smart meters, tariff hikes
Vijayawada: A massive protest spearheaded by the CPM against the implementation of smart electricity meters and soaring power tariffs rocked Vijayawada on Friday. Hundreds of consumers and activists converged at APCPDCL head office, submitting over 50,000 applications to demand the removal of installed smart meters, a reduction in electricity adjustment charges, and the cancellation of agreements with corporate entities like Adani and SECI. The protestors creatively displayed the 50,000 applications around the CPDCL office, with many wearing placards around their necks declaring 'No Smart Meters'. Women, particularly incensed, wore their petitions to express their anger. Loud slogans denouncing smart meters, Adani's alleged exploitation, and the burden imposed by the rulers filled the air. CPM leaders asserted that the current coalition government has betrayed the public on electricity, imposing a staggering Rs 15,485 crore in adjustment charges despite promises of no hikes. They highlighted how small industries and businesses are struggling to pay bills, leading to closures and job losses. Speakers criticised the government for ordering the installation of Adani smart meters, calling it 'deplorable' given that coalition leaders previously advocated for their destruction. The protest also condemned the replacement of two crore working meters with prepaid Adani smart meters, imposing Rs 25,000 crore burden on citizens, to be collected over 93 months. 'These aren't just smart meters; they're like Adani bombs, exploding in every home every month,' warned a CPM leader, referring to the technology that allows Adani offices in Gujarat and Delhi to control meters remotely. Recalling the year 2000 electricity protests where three activists were killed in Hyderabad, leaders warned that interfering with 'power (electricity)' had cost Chandrababu 'power (authority)' then. They urged the government to reduce charges, halt smart meter installations, cancel corporate agreements, and honour their promises, or face a widespread, unified movement across the State.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- 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.
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Smart meter rollout sparks outcry
Vijayawada: CPM State Committee members Baburao and D Kasinath vehemently criticised the Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company Limited (APCPDCL)'s directive to install smart meters in residential homes. They displayed copies of the orders issued by APCPDCL while addressing a press conference here on Sunday. Baburao stated that it is 'deplorable' that the coalition government has ordered the installation of Adani prepaid smart electricity meters in homes as its 'first anniversary gift.' Within the CPDCL's jurisdiction, 1.028 million homes in major cities across the combined Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasam districts, totalling 17.24 lakh meters, have been slated for installation. Baburao asserted that the installation of Adani smart meters in every home is a 'systematic arrangement for Adani's permanent exploitation' of every family every day, every hour. The phased installation of 20 million smart meters in every home and commercial establishment across the state is estimated to impose a burden of Rs 25,000 crore on the public, with each meter and its maintenance costing approximately Rs 13,000. Consumers will reportedly be charged a meter rental fee of Rs 100 to Rs 200 per month for 93 months without their full awareness. The 'Time of the Day' metering system, which will record readings hourly and charge higher rates during peak consumption hours at night, will impose an 'even greater burden.' Baburao said that the Electricity Regulatory Commission has already amended its regulations to facilitate this, with the government issuing directives for meter installation for every consumer, including residential homes. He noted that an Adani office and warehouse have already been established at Vidyut Soudha, the main electricity office in Vijayawada, signifying the handing over of the electricity sector. He listed the towns where residential meter installations are initially ordered under CPDCL: Vijayawada, Guntur, Machilipatnam, Ongole, Chilakaluripeta, Gudivada, Amaravati, and Mangalagiri. He demanded a halt to smart meter installations in residential homes, removal of meters already installed in commercial establishments, cancellation of the meter agreement with Adani, and abolition of electricity adjustment charges. Kashi Nath added that a plan has been devised to install smart meters in 352,936 homes in Vijayawada alone. He mentioned that several protests have already been held in Vijayawada. He concluded by stating that it is 'improper' for 'father and son' Chandrababu and Lokesh to go back on their word.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Andhra Pradesh accelerating installation of solar rooftops under Surya Ghar: Chief Secretary
VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh is accelerating the rollout of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with a target of 20 lakh units by the end of 2025, Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K Vijayanand said during a review meeting in Vijayawada on Thursday. He directed DISCOMs and NREDCAP to achieve three lakh rooftop solar connections by June 2025, assigning 75,000 each to APCPDCL, APSPDCL, and APEPDCL, and another 75,000 to NREDCAP. Weekly progress reviews have been scheduled. Special focus will be given to SC and ST households, which are eligible for 2-kilowatt rooftop systems free of cost. Backwards Class families will receive a subsidy of Rs 80,000—Rs 60,000 from the Centre and Rs 20,000 from the State, towards the Rs 1.20 lakh installation cost. Each district will develop a model village to demonstrate the scheme. For SC/ST households, the state aims to install 5.87 lakh systems, generating 1,743 million units annually. Installations must be completed within six months of the Letter of Award and will be maintained free for five years.
