Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati   

Farm connections identified for free power supply

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUPATI, FEB. 8. Going by the norms laid down by the State Government, the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has calculated that it will have to provide free power to 90 per cent of the farm connections in Chittoor, Cuddapah, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna districts under its control.

Though the number of connections getting eligible for free power is huge, it is nothing uncommon and not at all viewed as `abnormal' given the semi-arid climate of the region, except a part covered under the delta. The following is the district-wise percentage of connections identified for free power: Chittoor (93.10), Cuddapah (93), Nellore (89), Prakasam (95), Guntur (82) and Krishna (73).

The four pumpset norm will be applied to the upland Chittoor, Cuddapah and parts of Prakasam districts, while the 2.5 acre upper limit would be taken as the criterion for Guntur, Krishna and the coastal areas of Prakasam.

Guidelines

The Discom is getting down to impose certain power-saving guidelines to cut down on wastage of power, according to which the farmers will have to use ISI-certified pumpsets, capacitors and PVC pipes only.

In the renewed situation when power is given free, the company's attitude towards pilferers will also have a marked change.

"Armed with firm orders from the headquarters, we are not going to take the pilferers lightly,'' according to a senior official.

Meanwhile, the Government has relaxed the norm to sanction fresh connections under the `Tatkal' scheme.

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