AP to launch 2nd Phase of Power Sector Reforms
Amaravati, May.16: The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to launch the 2nd Phase of Power Sector Reforms with the main focus on the affordable power supply, promotion of Renewable Generation (particularly from Solar & Wind) and adopting energy storage technologies.
Chairing a high-level meeting of the Power Sector officials targeted to achieve cost reduction in all spheres of the Power Sector Viz. Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Ajay Jain, Principal Secretary, Energy I&I and CRDA, has unveiled the vision of Chief Minister N. Chandra Babu Naidu to implement the next round of Power Sector Reforms for delivering world class services with the focus on cost reduction and environmental protection at large.
The CM is of the firm belief that by keeping the Tariffs to Industry and Commerce sectors constant for Long Term (lesser than Rs 4.0/Unit for 20/25 Years), we can attract huge Industries and Commercial activities for rapid economic growth. The declining prices of power from solar generation plants could give this flexibility to the Govt, said Ajay Jain. The CM was instrumental in implementing the first phase of Power Sector reforms during 1998 & 1999 and bailed out the sector from the crisis. This time also the Hon’ble CM is championing the cause of implementing next round of Power Sector reforms for the overall development of the State, said Sri. Ajay Jain.
The energy storage technology through batteries is fast advancing, and in the coming, three to four years the cost & size of the batteries are also expected to come down, and Grid level (tens/hundreds of Megawatts) batteries would become viable. This paves the way to use these storage units in combination with Solar power plants so as to make continuous usage (even during nights) of Solar power a reality. To further explore the benefits of this scheme, the AP DISCOMs are going to implement Two Pilot projects of 5 MW capacity Solar & Storage Systems in Agriculture Sector, so as to pave the way for operationalization of Local Grids. The DISCOMs are going to come out with floating of tender within few days, disclosed Ajay Jain.