Use hydel generation only to meet peak hour demand, official directs AP-Genco

Andhra Pradesh’s power utilities were fully prepared to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply despite delayed monsoon rains and a sharp decline in hydel power generation, Special Chief Secretary (Energy) K. Vijayanand said on Thursday (July 9, 2026).

Reviewing the power situation with officials of AP-Genco, AP-Transco and distribution companies through a video-conference, Mr. Vijayanand said poor rainfall had reduced hydel generation to 5-6 MU a day this year, because of low reservoir inflows, as against 25-30 MU a day during the corresponding period last year.

He said the Sileru Hydel Complex had about 34 tmc ft of water, enough to sustain power generation for 90-100 days if managed efficiently. He directed AP-Genco to prepare a scientific reservoir management plan and use hydel generation mainly during peak demand hours.

Mr. Vijayanand expressed concern over negligible inflows into the Krishna basin, warning that if El Niño conditions persisted, hydel generation from the basin might not be possible this season. He instructed power utilities to implement the Central Electricity Authority’s advisory measures to mitigate the impact of deficient rainfall.

To offset lower hydel output, the Special Chief Secretary directed AP-Genco to maximise thermal power generation by operating all available units at full capacity, strengthening preventive maintenance and minimising outages. He also instructed officials to complete annual overhauls on schedule and maintain coal stocks sufficient for at least 10 days at every thermal power station, through close coordination with coal suppliers, the Railways and ports.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to reliable electricity, Mr. Vijayanand said coordinated efforts, efficient resource management and optimum utilisation of available generation capacity would enable Andhra Pradesh to maintain uninterrupted, quality power supply despite adverse weather.