Gottipati Ravi Kumar, the state's Energy Minister, has issued a direct mandate for the immediate sanctioning of all outstanding electricity connections designated for agricultural use across Andhra Pradesh. This directive, delivered during a teleconference on Monday with the heads of the three power distribution companies (DISCOMs), underscores a push to resolve long-standing backlogs.
The core instruction is to clear pending agricultural power connections immediately. Officials have been tasked with ensuring consumers do not experience power supply disruptions, particularly during the current summer season, despite anticipated increases in electricity demand.
Emphasis on Uninterrupted Supply and Scheme Progress
The minister's instructions extended beyond agricultural connections, emphasizing the need for continuous and reliable power for domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers throughout the season. He specifically directed officials to:
Ensure uninterrupted power supply to all consumer categories.
Implement proactive planning to forestall any power supply disruptions.
In the event of technical faults, consumers must be informed promptly, and restoration efforts should be treated with urgency.
Furthermore, Mr. Ravi Kumar reviewed the progress of several key Central and State government initiatives, including the PM Surya Ghar and PM Kusum schemes, alongside the RDSS (Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme). Targets for these schemes must be met within their allocated timelines.
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Broader Context of Agricultural Support
This recent directive follows previous announcements regarding agricultural power connections. Earlier this year, in March 2026, the government committed to sanctioning a total of 46,113 agricultural electricity connections. At that time, Agriculture Minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu had stated this move would provide significant relief to farmers, bolstering irrigation security and strengthening the agricultural sector.
The push for renewable energy integration, particularly solar power, has also been highlighted. Mr. Ravi Kumar previously emphasized providing free solar power to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe categories under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. A target was set to complete at least 2,000 solar connections per constituency within a specific timeframe related to the birth anniversaries of Babu Jagjivan Ram and Dr BR Ambedkar. The minister has also indicated that the current government alliance intends to cover electricity charges for certain schemes to alleviate financial burdens on citizens, reflecting a vision attributed to Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
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