Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Andhra Pradesh Issues Free Power Guidelines for Vinayaka Pandals
The Andhra Pradesh government is allowing some Vinayaka pandals to use electricity for free.
The free supply lasts for nine days from the Vinayaka Chavithi festival.
Organisers must first obtain permission through the single-window system.
Urban pandals can use up to 5 KW, while rural pandals can use up to 3 KW.
If they use more electricity, they must pay the full bill.
Officials asked organisers to hire licensed linemen for wiring.
Pandals must not touch electric wires, poles, or transformers.
Each pandal also needs its own earthing system to help prevent accidents.
Organisers with single-window permission can receive free electricity for nine days from Vinayaka Chavithi.
Free supply is capped at 5 KW in urban areas and 3 KW in rural areas.
Organisers exceeding the limits must pay for their total electricity usage.
Authorities urged organisers to use licensed linemen and avoid power theft.
Pandals must be safely distanced from electrical installations and have dedicated earthing systems.
- Who
- Vinayaka pandal organisers, electricity authorities, and festival attendees in Andhra Pradesh.
- What
- Guidelines were issued for using the state’s free electricity supply at Vinayaka pandals.
- When
- For nine days beginning with the Vinayaka Chavithi festival.
- Where
- Across Andhra Pradesh, with different limits for urban and rural areas.
- Why
- To regulate free power use and help prevent electrical accidents during the festivities.
- Free-supply period
- Nine days starting from Vinayaka Chavithi
- Urban usage limit
- 5 KW
- Rural usage limit
- 3 KW
- Permission requirement
- Organisers must obtain permission through the single-window system
- Excess usage
- Organisers exceeding the limit must pay the bill for total usage
- Wiring requirement
- Licensed linemen should be engaged for wiring work
- Safety measures
- Pandals must be away from electrical installations and have dedicated earthing