VIJAYAWADA: The rise in revenue from domestic electricity connections indicates a boom in consumerism and higher sale of power-consuming appliances like coolers and air-conditioners.

According to officials of the AP Southern Power Distribution Company Ltd (AP-SPDCL), the consumers are not hesitating to spend more on electricity to escape from soaring temperatures.

The revenue from low-tension (LT) category consumers in the district rose from Rs. 25.5 crores during the period from February 15 to March 15, 2005, to Rs. 28.5 crores during the corresponding period this year. It has yielded an increase in revenue by Rs. 3 crores.

Superintending Engineer of the SPDCL P. Anjaiah said here on Tuesday that the LT revenue had increased by Rs. 1.3 crores in Vijayawada city alone. The revenue had risen rom Rs. 13.5 crores during the period from February 15 to March 15, 2005, to Rs. 15 crores during the corresponding period this year.

Mr. Anjaiah said that despite increase in demand, supply was being given without power cut in the city. The shutdowns imposed in certain areas these days were aimed at facilitating maintenance works. "We are taking care that no inconvenience is caused to city consumers. The schedule of power cuts wherever necessary are being announced every Saturday and Sunday," he added.

Two hours a day

The supply to agriculture was being maintained at two hours a day, but not all areas were getting it in a uniform manner. Though agriculture demand was on the decline, streamlining the supply by giving it in fixed timings was not possible due to varied demands from various districts in SPDCL limits.

While the agriculture demand for electricity was coming down in Kadapa, it showed no signs of decrease in Chittoor district. The scenario was different with regard to Nellore district, where the agriculture consumption went up due to increased demand from aqua farmers.

In Krishna district, two-hour supply was being made at varied times in Jaggayyapet, Nandigama, Gudivada, Machilipatnam and other areas. As the agricultural operations were coming to an end, the consumption reported a marginal decrease in the last few days. While the consumption ranged from 6.2 to 6.3 million units per day last year, it came down to 6.1 million units per day during the corresponding period this year. The demand for agriculture was expected to touch its lowest by May 10.

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