VISAKHAPATNAM:Despite the onset of monsoon and excess rainfall, power consumption in north coastal Andhra and the Godavari districts remains high. The sultry weather conditions prevailing in the region, coupled with commencement of kharif season, are said to be the main reasons for the distribution companies facing the demand for an additional 4-6 million units (mu) of power a day.
The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has registered an average power consumption of 46 mu a day in the last week of June this year. Power consumption in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Vizag and the twin Godavari districts, was 42 mu during the corresponding period of the previous year. “But when compared to the usage during the peak summer of May, the power consumption in June was just five million units less. The average power consumption demand during peak hours of May was 50-52 mu,” said a senior official of APEPDCL. The demand for power increased manifold due to usage of air-conditioners and fans by the domestic sector besides the commencement of the farming activities. “Both the maximum and minimum temperatures have increased by 2-3 degree Celsius in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. As a result, the usage of air-conditioners and fans in domestic sector has gone up and thus, increased the power consumption,” the EPDCL officer added.
Further, the agriculture sector is also using substantial power due to commencement of the kharif season. The officials fear that the power consumption is likely to increase further with the commencement of the GMP in the twin Godavari districts. The Met officials indicated that the monsoon is not yet active in the state and temperatures could increase by 2-3 degrees. With the monsoon unlikely to strengthen till the third week of July, the day temperatures in parts of AP are likely to touch 40 degree Celsius. As on Saturday, Tirupati recorded 39 and Nellore 38 degrees Celsius.
Power Status