AP minister asks discoms to recover power dues from industries

VIJAYAWADA: Energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy on Friday directed AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited officials to undertake a special drive to recover power dues, especially from industries.

Reviewing the working of the electricity department with officials, he underlined that power dues from all sectors must be recovered and distribution losses contained. Measures must be taken to resolve pending cases in courts expeditiously so that monies stuck could be released.

The minister expressed displeasure over the tardy pace of installing 33 KV sub-stations. He asked officials to identify places where there are low voltage issues, especially in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Rajamahendravaram and Eluru circles, so that sub-stations could be set up in these areas.

Ramachandra Reddy ordered officials to blacklist contractors who have failed to install 33 KV substations even after receiving the work permit.

He called on officials to take up electrification works in Jagananna housing colonies in an expeditious manner. He wanted officials to provide proper training in safety to staff members for preventing accidents.

The minister said with the electricity demand touching 250 million units per day, power should be supplied without imposing any power cuts in the state.