The State saves 33 MU of electricity in the agricultural sector

In Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh, a trial scheme for the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme for Agricultural Energy Connections was started about a year ago. In fiscal year 2020-21, the 26,083 agricultural connections consumed approximately 101 million units of electricity.

Since the launch of the program, the number of connections has increased to 28,393 in fiscal year 2021-2022. However, consumption was kept to a minimum of 67.86 MU, thus saving 33.75 MU in the energy department. The DBT (direct benefit transfer) plan is already being implemented in several places in the country by installing meters for agricultural connections.

The state government will deposit all of the money from farmers’ electricity bills into their accounts under the DBT program. Based on the power utility reports that have been provided, this will be done.

“Even though Andhra Pradesh has opted to implement the DBT scheme as part of the reforms proposed by the Union Government, the state government has taken all necessary precautions to safeguard the interests of the farmers,” according to the state’s energy minister, Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy.

Farmers have nothing to pay out of pocket. The government will deposit all farmers’ electricity bills into their accounts. The farmers will in turn pay the DISCOMs. Farmers will then have the power to inquire about the quality of electricity from electric utilities. This will improve the accountability and responsibility of electric utilities.

“Farmers are quite satisfied with the program as more than 97% of farmers have given their consent. This is a major development towards strengthening the energy sector. The state government will continue the free electricity program for the agricultural sector for the next 30 years. For this, the AP government has entered into an agreement with the Solar Energy Corporation of India to purchase 7,000 MW of electricity exclusively for the free electricity scheme,” the state’s energy minister said. .

The government will open separate accounts, according to Department of Energy officials, which will only be used to pay DISCOMs; there will be no chance for the banks to modify the accounts to cover other debts.