Vijayawada: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announced the establishment of a power plant in the Krishna region with an investment of Rs 8 billion to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the public.
He said the strategic move aims to improve the state’s electricity distribution network and address rising energy demand in urban and rural areas.
The minister, accompanied by Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Bala Shoury and Penamaluru MLA Bode Prasad, unveiled the 33/11KV outdoor electric substation on Thursday at AP Tidco Housy Colony in Vuyyuru. The project involves an investment of Rs 4.36 crore.
Ravi Kumar said the ongoing Machilipatnam (Bandar) port development requires a strong and uninterrupted power supply to support upcoming industrial and logistical operations. Industrialists urged the government to establish substations within the APIIC Industrial Corridor to ensure reliable industrial growth power.
“As part of a long-term plan, substations will be built in each parliamentary constituency to cope with 6% to 8% of power consumption,” he said.
Ravi Kumar said the state has built a 400 kV Gessolin (GIS) power substation for Rs 6 billion using premium equipment.
Spread across 8 acres of land, the project is a game changer that enhances grid stability and connectivity. “Our state has great potential for renewable energy, especially through wind and solar energy, especially in parts of the Rayalaseema and Prakasam districts,” the minister said.
He revealed that the government is preparing to approve 2 million solar connections under Prime Minister Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with the goal of 10,000 to 12,000 connections per rally constituency.
He noted that the TD-led government did not increase electricity bills. He attributed the current fuel and electricity purchase cost adjustment (FPPCA) charges to the decision of the previous YSRC government.
Ravi Kumar noted that TD had handed over the surplus electricity scenario in 2019, and now the state government spends Rs 1,000 crore per year to provide households with 24 hours of electricity and 9 hours of free electricity to farmers.
Vuyyuru Municipal Chairman Vallabhaneni Satyanarayana, CPDCL SE Satyanandam, Municipal Commissioner Venkateswara Rao and others participated in the event.
