AP govt to allocate Rs 600 cr for power purchase

Hyderabad, Dec 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Power, Information and Public Relations Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir today said the state government would be allocated Rs 600 crore to purchase power to meet the requirements in Rabi season.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Shabbir said the state Distribution Companies (DisComs) have asked the government for Rs 600 crore to purchase power. The government has permitted the DisComs to purchase power and is waiting for clearance to release the funds.

The amount would be spent for purchase of power which would be allocated to agriculture in Rabi season, he added.

Stating that the TRANSCO and Agriculture department have constituted committees to ensure early cultivation of Rabi crops so that the power consumption would be saved, he said the state was facing 500 MW of power shortage.

Referring to some media reports, Mr Shabbir said the total savings in the current financial year in the hydel power generation was Rs 235 crore which could not be transferred to the state exchequer. The amount would be utilised only after seeking permission from AP Electricity Regulation Commission (APERC).

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