Brief
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister orders utilities to keep power flowing during Cyclone Arnab
The state’s power firms have been placed on high alert, with thousands of workers and equipment ready for rapid response.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Amaravati – On Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar held a teleconference with chairpersons and managing directors of the state’s distribution companies, as well as district officials, to review preparedness for Cyclone Arnab. Kumar told the participants that field personnel must be available around the clock and that any power outages should be restored immediately, according to Deccan Chronicle.
Officials reported that 25,000 electric poles and other essential materials have been pre‑positioned for emergency use. The Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (SPDCL) is ready to send additional crews to the most vulnerable areas. Kumar also ordered the removal of hazardous hoardings and urged coordination with other departments to prevent electrical accidents.
Special Chief Secretary for Energy K Vijayanand reinforced the directive, instructing utilities to operate on a war‑footing. Command‑level officers were told to camp in high‑risk zones from 26 October until the cyclone threat passes, and routine leave for senior engineers and technical staff was restricted.
Andhra Pradesh Transmission Corporation Limited (APTRANSCO) placed its transmission network and extra‑high‑tension substations on high alert, mobilising restoration teams, securing spare towers and arranging de‑watering pumps for flood‑prone sites. The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) readied 309 contractor teams – a total of 4,056 personnel – and set up 30 divisional control rooms plus a round‑the‑clock control centre at its corporate office. Its stock includes diesel generators, pole‑drilling machines, power saws, cranes, 1,180 km of conductors and more than 70,700 prestressed cement concrete poles.
The Andhra Pradesh Central Power Distribution Corporation Limited (APCPDCL) positioned 1,200 poles, 250 distribution transformers and 60 specialised restoration teams at district stores. The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) bolstered its readiness in Nellore, Tirupati and Chittoor districts, keeping 27,838 poles and 3,652 distribution assets on standby. The minister also urged the public to stay away from fallen wires, report electricity‑related emergencies to the toll‑free helpline 1912, and exercise caution during heavy rain and strong winds.
Key facts
- Energy Minister G Ravi Kumar directed power utilities to ensure uninterrupted supply during Cyclone Arnab. (deccanchronicle.com)
- 25,000 electric poles and essential materials have been pre‑positioned for emergency response. (deccanchronicle.com)
- APTRANSCO placed its transmission network and EHT substations on high alert and mobilised de‑watering pumps. (deccanchronicle.com)
- APEPDCL prepared 309 contractor teams (4,056 personnel) and 30 divisional control rooms for rapid restoration. (deccanchronicle.com)
- The public is advised to report power‑related emergencies to helpline 1912 and avoid fallen wires. (deccanchronicle.com)
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Ensure Uninterrupted Power Amid Cyclone Arnab: Ravi Kumar”
