‘NDA govt sets 160 GW renewable energy goal’

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The NDA Government is moving forward with a target of generating 160 gigawatts of renewable power under the Integrated Clean Energy Policy, said State Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar. Speaking during the Budget discussion in the Assembly, the Minister stated that the government is developing the power sector with a focus on long term sustainability, expansion of renewable energy generation, and protection of consumer interests.

The Minister emphasized that the power sector is the backbone of the State’s economy. He stated that Chief Minister Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu was the pioneer of power sector reforms in the country and that the reforms initiated under his leadership laid the foundation for the growth of the technology sector. He recalled that during 2014 to 2019, the State was made power surplus within six months of assuming office, and renewable energy capacity was increased to 7 gigawatts during that period.

The Minister said that Andhra Pradesh stands in the forefront among states with an installed capacity of 21,457 megawatts, of which 37 percent comes from renewable sources. He noted that APGENCO recently achieved a record generation of 6,000 megawatts. With improved generation and financial discipline, the government has reduced tariffs by 13 paise through a true down, a first of its kind in the country, providing relief to consumers. He also stated that the power purchase cost was reduced from Rs. 7.71 per unit to Rs. 6.35 per unit, resulting in savings of Rs. 550 crore in 2024–25 and an additional Rs. 340 crore projected for 2025–26.

Highlighting welfare measures, the Minister said Rs. 13,000 crore has been allocated in the Budget towards power subsidy. Free power is being provided to 22 lakh farmers, with nine hours of quality free supply to agriculture and allied sectors daily. Aqua farmers are being supplied power at Rs. 1.50 per unit. About 20 lakh SC and ST consumers are receiving 200 units of free electricity. Power subsidy is also being extended to handloom weavers, washermen and salons. From April 1, 200 units of free power will be provided to handlooms and 500 units to power looms. The PM Surya Ghar scheme is being implemented with 100 percent subsidy for SC and ST beneficiaries.

The NDA Government, he affirmed, is moving ahead in a planned manner to comprehensively revive the power sector, expand renewable energy, and ensure long term energy security while safeguarding consumer interests.