As the summer season begins in Andhra Pradesh, electricity consumption is expected to reach unprecedented levels, with officials estimating that peak power demand may touch 280 million units (MU) during the summer months. In the second week of March alone, the state recorded a daily power consumption of 274.85 MU, while the average daily usage currently stands at around 270 MU.
In anticipation of this surge in demand, power utilities have prepared generation plans in advance. The thermal power stations operated by AP Genco are producing electricity at near-record levels, helping the state avoid purchasing power from the open market at high prices. Power procurement is limited to small quantities during peak demand periods – between 6 am and 10 am and 6 pm and 10 pm – in a few time blocks, each lasting 15 minutes.
Officials believe that these measures will prevent an undue burden on consumers this year. The advance planning by the power utilities has already started showing results. Initially aiming to generate about 265 MU of electricity from state resources, the strategy has proven effective. Even on a day when consumption touched 274 MU, the state had to purchase only 5.2 MU of power.
From April, the electricity demand is expected to decline further as the agricultural season ends, which may reduce farm power consumption by around 35 MU. Despite this anticipated decrease, Andhra Pradesh continues to prioritize managing its energy resources efficiently to meet the increasing electricity demands of its growing population.
**Tags:** Andhra Pradesh, Amaravati:Electricity, AP Genco’s, Peak Power Demand, Electricity Consumption, Thermal Power Stations, Open Market, Power Procurement, Agricultural Season, Energy Resources
