Chief Secretary directs DISCOMs to expedite solar rooftop programme

Chief Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, K. Vijayanand, has directed power distribution companies (DISCOMs) to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the Solar Rooftop Investment Programme (SRIP), supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and NABARD, across the State.

Chairing a review meeting with DISCOMs and representatives from ADB and NABARD at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Mr. Vijayanand said the State Government is committed to accelerating rooftop solar adoption to promote clean, affordable, and sustainable energy. He noted that solar rooftops are key to achieving Andhra Pradesh’s renewable energy goals, reducing dependence on conventional power sources, and empowering consumers through decentralised generation.

Highlighting the Government’s focus on Kuppam Constituency, the Chief Secretary said the aim is to make it a 100% solar and Net Zero constituency. Under the initiative, schools, government offices, agricultural feeders, and households will be equipped with rooftop solar systems. A 50/100 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is being developed, and 4 MW of solar capacity will cater to SC and ST households. The Government will purchase surplus solar power from beneficiaries at ₹2.09 per unit.

Mr. Vijayanand appreciated the support extended by ADB and NABARD and urged DISCOMs to complete documentation quickly to facilitate early fund disbursement. ADB officials expressed satisfaction over their partnership with Andhra Pradesh in advancing clean energy initiatives.

The meeting was attended by L. Siva Shankar, CMD, APSPDCL; I. Prudhvi Tej, CMD, APEPDCL; P. Pulla Reddy, CMD, APCPDCL; Vikas Marmat, PD, Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA); Dr. Sujata Gupta, Director (Energy), ADB; Jaimes Kolantharaj, Principal Energy Specialist, ADB; Jigar Bhatt, Senior Project Officer (Energy), ADB; Upendra Bhatt, MD, cKinetics; Shankar N., cKinetics; and other senior officials.