Chief Secretary Directs APSCPDCL to Complete 2 Lakh Rooftop Solar Connections by May 2026

* Accelerate implementation of PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana
* Ensure immediate completion of meter installations without inconvenience to consumers
* Fast-track renewable energy and EV charging projects

Tirupati / Vijayawada, January 21:
In line with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s vision to promote household-level power generation, Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh K. Vijayanand directed APSCPDCL to accelerate rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana.

He instructed that 1.5 lakh rooftop solar connections be completed by March 2026, and the total target of 2 lakh connections be achieved by May 2026. To meet these timelines, he emphasised strict, multi-level monitoring and accountability of staff and officials.

The directions were issued during a review meeting held in Tirupati on Wednesday with APSCPDCL CMD L. Siva Sankar, District Collectors of Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Annamayya, Kadapa, Sri Sathya Sai, Nandyal and Kurnool districts, NEDCAP MD M. Kamalakar Babu, APSCPDCL Director Ayub Khan, and Superintending Engineers from various circles.

The Chief Secretary instructed officials to monitor feeder solarisation and rooftop solar projects on a daily basis at field level, ensuring both quality and long-term performance. He also directed APSCPDCL and NEDCAP officials to fast-track renewable energy projects, rooftop solar systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure within defined timelines.

Issues related to land acquisition, lease registrations, inter-departmental approvals, and project execution must be resolved swiftly to avoid delays, he said. He further stressed expanding public awareness programmes, simplifying approvals and commissioning procedures, and improving service quality under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.

Highlighting the government’s priority to these projects, the Chief Secretary stated that their progress would be reviewed again at the Collectors’ Conference scheduled for the second week of February.

Referring to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) already issued to field officials, he directed special focus on meter installation, ensuring that consumers face no inconvenience. Any lapses at field level would attract strict action, and Divisional Engineers (DEs) and Assistant Divisional Engineers (ADEs) would be held personally accountable for consumer complaints.

The review also covered land acquisition status, civil and electrical works, rooftop solar installations for SC/ST beneficiaries, loss-reduction measures, and advanced metering. Officials and developers were instructed to strictly adhere to approved project schedules and complete pending land acquisition at the earliest.

Officials informed the Chief Secretary that under PM-KUSUM, feeder solarisation projects with a capacity of 1,162.80 MW are under implementation across the state, covering approximately 2.93 lakh agricultural pump sets, with an average approved tariff of ₹3.09 per unit.

Under the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana (ULA model), around 35% coverage falls within the APSCPDCL jurisdiction. So far, over 2.07 lakh SC/ST households have been provided rooftop solar systems with a total capacity of 415.67 MWp. The scheme has been receiving a strong response in both urban and rural areas.

Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand reiterated that renewable energy and electric mobility initiatives would significantly contribute to employment generation, skill development, and economic growth, and expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh could emerge as a national role model in sustainable development and renewable energy adoption.

Senior officials from the Energy Department, APSCPDCL and NEDCAP also attended the review meeting.