2 weeks ago
Naidu sets Rs 4 power cost target by 2029
The leader of a state in India called Andhra Pradesh wants electricity to be cheaper for everyone.
Right now, buying power for the state costs about Rs 4.60 per unit.
He has set a goal to bring that cost down to Rs 4 per unit by the year 2029.
More power is needed because factories are growing and electricity use is expected to double every six years.
His team will study 130 reservoirs to see if they can store energy using water, a method called pumped storage.
The state also wants many more homes to get solar power through government schemes.
He asked the central government to approve extra solar connections and more clean power from solar farms.
The leader also wants the state's power companies to save money and borrow less.
This way, power supply can stay reliable and affordable as needs grow.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu set a target to reduce power purchase costs to Rs 4 per unit by 2029, from Rs 4.60 this year.
Officials will examine the technical feasibility and economic viability of pumped-storage projects at 130 reservoirs, including one at Polavaram.
The department aims to install 6 lakh solar connections under PM Surya Ghar by September, expedite 3 lakh more, and seek 10 lakh additional connections from the Centre.
Naidu proposed a performance-based rating system for the state's six power utilities covering operational efficiency, financial strength and performance.
Officials reported savings of Rs 234 crore through power-purchase optimisation and Rs 100 crore through prompt-payment rebates.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and the state energy department
- What
- Setting a target to cut power purchase costs to Rs 4 per unit by 2029 and expanding power generation capacity
- Where
- Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
- When
- Thursday, during a review of the energy department at the Secretariat
- Why
- To meet rising electricity demand driven by industrialisation, with consumption projected to double every six years, while keeping power affordable
Key facts
- Power purchase cost target
- Rs 4 per unit by 2029
- Current power purchase cost
- Rs 4.60 per unit
- Reservoirs studied for pumped storage
- 130
- PM Surya Ghar solar connections target
- 6 lakh by September
- Additional connections sought from Centre
- 10 lakh under PM Surya Ghar
- Additional capacity sought under KUSUM
- 2,000 MW
- Reported savings
- Rs 234 crore (purchase optimisation) and Rs 100 crore (prompt-payment rebates)
- Power utilities rated
- 6
Sources
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