Now Reading: Naidu pushes pumped storage, solar to cut power costs
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Naidu pushes pumped storage, solar to cut power costs
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the power sector on Thursday and ordered a feasibility study on pumped storage projects at the state’s 130 reservoirs, including Polavaram, to lower electricity costs. He…
The Story in Brief
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the power sector on Thursday and ordered a feasibility study on pumped storage projects at the state’s 130 reservoirs, including Polavaram, to lower electricity costs. He directed officials to expedite six lakh solar connections under the PM Surya Ghar scheme by September and seek 10 lakh more from the Centre.
Naidu targets power purchase costs of Rs 4.60 per unit this year and Rs 4 by 2029. He warned that deficient rainfall could disrupt hydropower and called for advance measures. Officials said purchase optimisation saved Rs 234 crore. Naidu also proposed performance-based ratings for utilities to reduce debt and improve efficiency.
The Indian Opinion
Sceptics often dismiss pumped storage as costly and ecologically risky, but the real test lies in execution. Naidu's push for feasibility studies at 130 reservoirs, combined with solar expansion, suggests a pragmatic approach to balancing demand and cost. The target of Rs 4 per unit by 2029 is ambitious, watch if utilities achieve it while maintaining supply. Also track whether distribution losses drop meaningfully, a perennial challenge for state power utilities.
Source: thehindu.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
