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Govt to assist Andhra Pradesh with coal linkages, power sector modernization

The review was attended by Andhra Pradesh ministers Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Ponguru Narayana, and Kolusu Parthasarathi, along with senior officials from the state government and the Ministry of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.

New Delhi: Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, conducted a comprehensive review of urban development, housing, and power sector schemes in Andhra Pradesh during a meeting held in Vijayawada. The review was attended by Andhra Pradesh ministers Gottipati Ravi Kumar, Ponguru Narayana, and Kolusu Parthasarathi, along with senior officials from the state government and the Ministry of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.

The discussions centered around key power sector initiatives, including generation, transmission, and distribution in the state. Specific issues discussed included the allocation of power from a proposed thermal power plant by Coal India Limited using coal linkage from Talcher mines under the SHAKTI policy, coal linkage for the thermal power station in Srikakulam, and support for the renovation and modernization of older thermal units. The state also sought assistance under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and concessional coal allocation under an existing Fuel Supply Agreement between SEIL and MCL.

Union Minister Manohar Lal highlighted the critical role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in improving electricity distribution infrastructure and urged the state to expedite the implementation of projects sanctioned under the scheme. He advised the state to prioritize smart metering in government establishments as part of a phased approach. The minister assured full support from the central government on issues related to RDSS, BESS, and coal linkages for thermal power plants.

The state ministers welcomed the Union Minister’s visit, with Gottipati Ravi Kumar expressing gratitude and highlighting the state’s commitment to making all-out efforts to improve the power sector.