VISAKHAPATNAM: The power utilities of Andhra Pradesh are all braced to meet the anticipated surge in electricity demand with the creation of new districts. The existing 13 districts have been reconstituted into 26 districts.
Officials of the energy department expect that the increasing economic activity in the newly formed districts, especially at the district headquarters, division headquarters and other important areas, may drive up the demand for electricity.
The demand for electricity is increasing year on year in Andhra Pradesh. The demand was 58,704 million units (MU) in 2017-18, which rose to 68,905 MU in 2021-22. This represents a 17.3% surge compared to 2017-18.
The demand is expected to further touch the 70,705 MU mark in 2022-23 with an expected 2.6% growth.
The daily average demand in March 2018 was 179.64 MU per day, which increased to 220.44 MU per day in March 2022.
The daily average demand is expected to rise to 240 MU per day in March 2023. According to estimates, the peak demand in March 2023 may escalate to 13,000 megawatts from 12,032 MW in 2021-22. The energy demand met on April 1 (Friday) was 234.1 MU with a peak demand of 12,021 MW.
In view of the creation of new districts in the state, the government has directed the power utilities to lay more focus on strengthening of 24x7, uninterrupted power supply. They have been asked to develop suitable power infrastructure, keeping future requirements in mind.
As a developing state, Andhra Pradesh is expected to witness substantial growth and urbanisation in coming years. The increasing demand necessitates an efficient and robust power sector.
