Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Saturday directed the officials of the energy department to speed up the work of all non-conventional energy projects. He asked the officials to complete mini-hydel projects in short gestation period in view of the increasing demand for power. He also directed the officials to take measures for medium term capacity additions and expected its supply by 2013.
At a review meeting with the officials, the chief minister agreed to extend equity support from the state government for upcoming APGenco projects to the tune of Rs 4,000 cr over the next four years. He said addition of mini-hydel projects will increase 1,000 MW of power generation.
The central government has allocated 100 MW of un-allocated power from the Central Generating Stations of Eastern Region from July 30. Power is being purchased through power exchanges whenever available at a reasonable rate, officials said. Open access has also been permitted to the industries to procure power from outside the state.The government requested the centre to restore Jajjhar power allocation to 231 MW by May 2013. Currently, only 131 MW is permitted till October 2012.
Another 500 MW un-allocated power from the Central Generating stations of Southern region is yet to be allocated. Also, 300 MW of unallocated power from the Kudankulam Atomic Power Plant is awaited and 75 MW from second expansion of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation will serve the state on long term basis.The CM also directed the officials to tap solar energy and set up a group with Transco/Discoms.