Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has unveiled an ambitious plan to bolster the state's power infrastructure. The company announced its intention to establish 116 new sub-stations across the Rayalaseema districts, aimed at ensuring the delivery of high-quality and uninterrupted power supply to the region.

K. Santhosha Rao, the Chairman and Managing Director of APSPDCL, shared this development during a media briefing held at the Southern Discom's corporate headquarters. Rao highlighted a significant change in the issuance of service connections to the agricultural sector. In contrast to the previous practice of releasing these connections annually, the company will now provide them on demand, streamlining the process and ensuring faster access to power services. During the period from 2019 to 2023, APSPDCL has already issued 2.34 lakh agricultural service connections, leaving only 7,129 connections pending.

One of the noteworthy initiatives under the Government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is the separation of approximately 3,900 feeders. This scheme, scheduled for completion by 2026, will enhance the distribution of uninterrupted three-phase power, even in rural areas. The project benefits from a 60% grant from the central government, with the remaining 40% being covered by the Discoms.

Furthermore, the company has proposed a comprehensive modernization plan, particularly focusing on electrical transformer replacement. The proposal involves procuring star-rated transformers, aiming to enhance operational efficiency by reducing technical losses by 20-25%. K. Santhosha Rao emphasized the significance of this move, citing the Central Electricity Authority's guidelines, which recommend replacing transformers after 25 years to mitigate core saturation, damage to winding insulation, and deterioration in oil quality, which can lead to increased transmission losses.

This extensive modernization and expansion plan by APSPDCL is set to strengthen the power infrastructure of Andhra Pradesh, contributing to a more reliable and efficient power supply for both urban and rural consumers.

Source: thehindu.com