Surya Ghar Utsav from April 5 to Boost Rooftop Solar
The Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has announced a major push to expand rooftop solar installations across its jurisdiction, with a special campaign titled “Surya Ghar Utsav” scheduled from April 5 to April 14.
Chairman and Managing Director Siva Sankar Lotheti, during a video conference with officials on Saturday, emphasized the importance of promoting solar energy adoption, particularly among domestic consumers. He stated that rooftop solar systems are being extended to SC/ST households and called for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure wider participation.
The CMD directed officials to accelerate solar installations during the “Surya Ghar Utsav” period, which coincides with the birth anniversaries of Jagjivan Ram and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He instructed that coordination with empanelled contractors be strengthened to complete installations swiftly and that adequate materials be stocked in advance to avoid delays.
Alongside solar initiatives, Lotheti stressed the need for prompt sanction of agricultural electricity services. He made it clear that no delays would be tolerated and warned of strict disciplinary action against officials responsible for lapses. Assistant Engineers have been directed to personally engage with farmers who have applied for electricity connections, ensuring transparency in the process by clearly explaining application seniority and expected timelines.
To enhance accountability, officials were instructed to display the seniority list of pending agricultural service applications on notice boards in their respective sections. The CMD expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of certain sections in the Sri Sathya Sai circle, including Madakasira, Agali, Amarapuram, Gudibanda, and Rolla, citing delays in material procurement and incomplete service works.
He cautioned that continued negligence would attract stringent action. Lotheti also warned that repeated complaints from consumers on the same issue would not be tolerated and that responsible staff would face consequences without hesitation.
In a related development, disciplinary action has already been initiated in the Anantapur circle. A show-cause notice was issued to Deputy Executive Engineer M. Srinivasulu Naidu for allegedly sanctioning agricultural electricity services in violation of norms, while Assistant Executive Engineer B. Balachandra has been suspended.
Senior officials, including directors, chief general managers, and engineers from various circles, participated in the review meeting, reaffirming APSPDCL’s focus on renewable energy expansion and efficient service delivery.
