The Andhra Pradesh government will provide uninterrupted power to farmers during the forthcoming Rabi season, without imposing any power cuts on either domestic or industrial consumers. It also plans to ensure seven-hour supply of free power to farmers.
Towards this, the state government has decided to spend Rs 2,678 crore to purchase power at a higher cost from surplus states and the Power Trading Corporation (PTC). Also, it has decided to allow gas power plants to use alternative fuel – naphtha and high-speed diesel. This apart, the state has earmarked Rs 1,174 crore in the present budget towards subsidy to the power sector.
According to estimates, there will be 4.4% power shortage during the Rabi season, accounts for 2,668 mw. The peaking hour shortage is estimated at 15.9%, about 1,629 mw.
According to energy minister Sabbir Ali, the government has decided to supply power uninterruptedly to all classes of consumers, including industry and farmers. He said the government was in the process of entering an agreement with PTC for about 350 mw and it also planned to draw additional power (beyond its allocation) from the national grid, especially to cater to the peak hours.
This apart, the power utilities had already placed orders with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd for supply of naphtha and high-speed diesel as alternative fuel in the Lanco, Vemagiri and other gas power units. Ali said Lanco Power had agreed to transfer its gas allocation to Vemagiri power to generate about 210 mw, while the government would provide naphtha to Lanco’s 210 mw plant. ??This arrangement is a temporary adjustment just to tide over the anticipated power shortage during Rabi,?? he added.
Accordingly, the cost of power would increase to Rs 9.50 per unit in case of high-speed diesel and Rs 8.50 per unit in case of naphtha as alternative fuel. ??We have asked the financial department to make arrangements for advance payments for alternative fuel,?? the minister said.