The Centre was ready to extend all possible help to the two Telugu States –Telangana and Andhra Pradesh — to generate more solar power energy to enable both the States to become self-reliant in power in the near future, said former Union minister and BJP senior leader Bandaru Dattatreya here today.
Quoting a letter received from Union minister of state (Independent charge) for power and renewable energy R K Singh, Dattatreya said the Centre has earmarked Rs 941.13 crore under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Rs 747.99 crore under Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) to Andhra Pradesh. Similarly, financial assistance of Rs 4,621.20 crore and Rs 743.70 crore has been provided to Telangana under DDUGJY and IPDS Schemes for strengthening the distribution sector, he said, adding that the Union minister has replied to his letter pertaining to both the States.
Dattatraya, in a statement here today, said since Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are part of Southern Regional Grid these States are connected with the Inter-State Transmission system of Southern Regional Grid. Southern Regional Grid is connected to Eastern and Western Regional Grids through several inter-regional links. Presently, the Available Transfer Capability (ATC) for import of power to Southern Grid from rest of the Grid was of the order of 8,900 MW which shall be progressively enhanced to 18,400 MW with progressive commissioning of under-construction inter-regional links by 2019-20.
This would be sufficient to cater to the requirements of power of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, he said, adding that this would help the Telangana and Andhra Pradesh States to provide 24 hour electricity to the domestic and industrial consumers in both States. (NSS)