Energy Minister asks officials to fast-track RDSS projects

Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar has said that 287 eligible candidates have been appointed on compassionate grounds in 18 months, which reflects the government’s commitment to welfare of employees.

“It is a significant step to ensure timely support and livelihood security to the families of employees who lost their lives while discharging duties, he said after distributing letters for the appointment given on compassionate grounds to eligible beneficiaries at the APEPDCL Training Centre in Visakhapatnam on Saturday.

The Minister, along with APEPDCL CMD Prudhvitej Immadi, reviewed works related to the power sector under the jurisdiction of the APEPDCL.

Mr Ravi Kumar reiterated that the coalition government is working with a humane approach and stands firmly with the families of the deceased employees.

Reiterating the government’s objective of ensuring electricity supply to every household, he said that the government is promoting solar power solutions in the remote areas, especially tribal hamlets.

“Reducing the burden of electricity bills on consumers is a priority for the government. We have already achieved a tariff true-down of 13 paise,” he said.

He asked the officials to ensure no delay in providing power connections to agricultural pump sets.

Reviewing the progress of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) projects being implemented under the APEPDCL’s jurisdiction, he instructed senior officials to fast-track the RDSS works. He stressed strict monitoring to ensure quality and adherence to timelines.

The officials informed him that 60 power substations are expected to be commissioned by March 2026.

The Minister asked the officials to intensify awareness campaigns on the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Addressing safety concerns, Mr. Ravi Kumar instructed the officials to take stringent measures to prevent accidents caused by human error in the Power Department. In this context, the APEPDCL officials informed him about a newly developed app designed to minimise risks and prevent accidents arising from human mistakes.

APEPDCL CMD I. Prudhvitej explained the functioning and benefits of the app to the Minister.

MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao and P. Vishnu Kumar Raju, Director (Operations) APEPDCL T. V. Surya Prakash, Director (Finance) APEPDCL S. Hari Babu, CEs, SEs of APEPDCL and other officials participated in this programme.