APTransco spends Rs 1,40-mn for rural power supply

Hyderabad: Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (APTransco) is purchasing about 15 million-17 million units a day spending Rs 14 crore a day at average cost of Rs 9 per unit, to ensure power supply to the farm sector.

The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Monday asked APTransco to supply free power to farmers for seven hours in two phases of four and three hours each as assured by the State Government, even if it warranted higher purchases.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Dr Reddy also directed the AP Generation Corporation to sort out the problems at Rayalaseema Thermal Power Project –II ad III, to ensure higher power production.

With the power demand shooting up to an all-time high of about 194 million units, AP Transco is making all out efforts to step up purchases to supply power to the farm sector and ensure that the standing crop is protected.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister is likely to call on the Union Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, to allot the required gas for 2100 MW Karimnagar power plant which would be ready soon.

The land acquisition for 434 acres is completed and the environmental clearance has been secured. The plant is awaiting gas allocation. Mr Mukherjee is heading a panel that oversees power and gas related issues.