AP Govt to Launch 1912 Toll-Free Number for Power Complaints: Minister Gottipati

Amaravati, May 26 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Tuesday said the state government is introducing the 1912 toll-free number to address electricity-related complaints and provide quicker resolution to consumers across the state.

The Minister said weather changes and extreme summer conditions were causing electricity disruptions in several areas and appealed to the public to understand the situation.

He stated that daytime temperatures crossing 48 degrees Celsius and strong evening winds were leading to technical disturbances in multiple places.

He added that restoration work takes time, especially when transformers are damaged.

“If a transformer burns out anywhere, it takes at least two to four hours to restore power supply on a war footing,” he said.

Gottipati said electricity department personnel were working round the clock despite severe temperatures and risking their lives to restore supply.

Referring to a recent incident in Sattenapalli, he said two electricity staff members narrowly escaped danger while carrying out transformer repair works.

The Minister also pointed out that unauthorised hoardings falling on electricity lines during strong winds were contributing to disruptions.

He said the Energy Department was coordinating with the Municipal Administration Department to remove illegal hoardings.

He said the newly introduced toll-free system would also help provide real-time updates and information to consumers during outages.

According to the Minister, electricity consumption in the state has increased significantly due to the intense heatwave conditions.

He criticised the previous YSRCP government, alleging that not a single substation was constructed during the last five years.

He said the present coalition government had undertaken large-scale construction of substations after coming to power.

He maintained that Andhra Pradesh currently has sufficient electricity supply to meet demand, but transmission-related issues were occurring because of excessive temperatures.

 “There are no power cuts in the state even for a minute,” the minister said, adding that the situation would improve further once new substations become operational.

He said construction of 30 substations across the state would be completed by September this year.

TNT KM