Chief Secretary Asks DISCOMs to Fast-track RDSS Works

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand directed State electricity distribution companies (DISCOMs) to expedite loss reduction efforts under the Renewed Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), emphasizing that a measurable reduction in Total Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses is critical for the financial sustainability of power utilities.

In the virtual review meeting held at the Chief Secretary’s camp office on Saturday, Vijayanand reviewed the progress reports submitted by the chairmen and managing directors of the three DISCOMs – L. Siva Sankar (APSPDCL), I. Prudhvi Tej (APEPDCL) and P. Pulla Reddy (APCPDCL).

The Chief Secretary said that under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Power Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar, the State government has prioritized the implementation of RDSS to ensure financial sustainability of DISCOMs, reduce AT&C losses and ensure a reliable power supply.

“Emphasis is placed on feeder separation, conductor replacement, distribution transformer (DTR) strengthening, feeder bifurcation and adoption of modern distribution infrastructure,” he said.

Progress reports showed different levels of completion among DISCOMs. APSPDCL completed 1,572 of the targeted 3,015 feeders, achieving a completion rate of 52 per cent. APEPDCL reported 57 per cent completion of feeder separation with 564 out of 994 feeders completed and also carried out underground cable works worth ₹273.32 crore. APCPDCL reported 66 per cent completion with 573 out of 862 feeders being completed.

The Chief Secretary directed the officials to address issues related to billing and claims processing and conduct regular reviews at departmental and divisional levels. He emphasized that effective loss mitigation is essential to ensure reliable power supply and long-term financial health of DISCOMs.