₹400 crore to strengthen power supply in Nellore district: APSPDCL chief

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) introduced by the Centre, Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) is modernising and strengthening the power supply system in SPSR Nellore district at ₹400 crore. These works are progressing at a rapid pace under the supervision of its construction department, according to the discom.

The RDSS is a Government of India programme launched to improve the quality, reliability and affordability of electricity supply through financial sustainability and operational efficiency of power distribution companies. The work of the first container substation is being taken up up in Nellore to reduce power outages and ensure uninterrupted supply through modern technology.

APSPDCL Chief General Manager (Projects) J. Ramana Devi made a surprise inspection of the RDSS works in Pottepalem, Devarapalem, Kommalapudi and Siddipuram villages in Nellore Rural division on Friday (September 20). Later, she conducted a review meeting with executive engineers and other officials at superintending engineer’s chamber at Vidyut Bhawan on the progress of the works.

So far, 288 transformers of 100 kVA, 356 transformers of 63 kVA and 182 transformers of 25 kVA were set up in the targeted villages. Out of 2,821 km of 11 KV line, 1,552 km has been completed, out of 1,117 km of 5-wire LT line, 285 km has been completed and out of 771 km of 3-wire LT line, 216 km has been completed within the scope of 139 substations, she said.

According to APSPDCL senior official, farmers in villages will get round-the-clock uninterrupted supply of quality three-phase power once these works are completed. The speed of rural electricity connections will increase significantly. The new transformers and modern 11KV and LT lines will improve voltage stability during load peaks.

With three-phase electricity supply provided to every village, there will be scope for setting up of small and medium scale industries, cold storages, workshops and processing units. Rural industries will be established with low investment, and employment opportunities will be created for local youth. New avenues will open up for economic development and industrialisation, she added.