VIJAYAWADA: Power utilities of Andhra Pradesh have successfully met the highest-ever energy demand of 251 million units in the state on May 18, 2023, by generating 12,653 MW.
Stating this on Friday, energy minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy explained that the average day demand in May 2020 had been 180.69 MUs as against 210.20 MUs on May 17, 2023.
He pointed out that the peak demand has increased by 27.51 per cent compared to the peak demand last year. For instance, the energy demand in March 2020 had been 5,853.39 MUs, whereas the monthly energy demand in March 2023 reached 6,781.54 MUs, an increase of 16 per cent.
Similarly, the average daily demand of May 2020 had been 180.69 MUs as against 210.20 MUs up to May 17, 2023, an increase of 16.33 per cent. The peak demand in May 2020 had been 10,101 MW as against 12,156 MW in May 2023 up to May 17.
Addressing a virtual review meeting on the power supply position in Andhra Pradesh, Ramachandra Reddy said as part of strengthening the free power scheme, 1.20 lakh agricultural connections have been sanctioned in AP by the end of March 2023.
The minister pointed out that the rise in energy consumption is a sign of economic progress in the state. For instance, electricity demand in Visakhapatnam City alone was 6,696 MUs in 2018–19. It increased to 8,164 MUs in 2021–22, translating to a 22 per cent increase in energy consumption. The uptick in demand clearly shows the increasing economic activity in Visakhapatnam, he stated.
Special chief secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand informed the minister that power utilities are continuously following up with the union coal ministry and railways to improve coal supplies for thermal power plants to generate power in Andhra Pradesh in view of the rising electricity demand.
