Telangana’s only cooperative power supply society in Sircilla to go solar

Sircilla Cooperative Electric Supply Society (CESS) has decided to replace its traditional electricity supply system with solar power. For this purpose, CESS is working with Germany-based IAK Agrar Consulting

Rajanna-Sircilla: In a heartening move, the Sircilla Cooperative Electric Supply Society (CESS) has decided to replace its traditional electricity supply system with solar power.

For this purpose, CESS is working with Germany-based IAK Agrar Consulting. Agriculture experts of the organisation led by Managing Director Swene Ghelwar recently visited CESS and interacted with its chairman Chikkala Rama Rao and directors.

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Besides a 220 kv sub-station in Sircilla town, the cropping pattern in Mamidipalli, Ramannapeta and Sriramulapalle of Konaraopet mandal was also examined by the team members, who interacted with farmers. They also met Ministers Tummala Nageshwar Rao and D Sridhar Babu.

According to CESS sources, both the State government and the Centre are likely to invest 30 per cent of the expenditure each for the project while 25 per cent will be by IAK Agrar Consulting. The remaining 15 per cent will be borne by the consumer.

Though there is no clarity how the existing power supply will be replaced with solar power, both CESS and consumers would get benefits if the project was completed, CESS officials said.

Per annum, 926 million units of electricity are being purchased and supplied to agriculture (630 MU), domestic (158), industries (36), commercial (26), powerlooms (27), irrigation (12), street lights (5) among others.

The lone cooperative power supply society in the State, CESS is spending Rs 50 crore to purchase power per month. If the solar power project was commenced, the cost would be reduced. At the same time, consumers would also get relief from power charges.

There are 3.30 lakh connections in CESS limits. Of them, 80,000 are agricultural connections and 70 per cent power is being utilised for it. So, the authorities are planning to arrange solar units to agricultural pump sets initially, source said.

Speaking to Telangana Today, CESS chairman Chikkala Rama Rao said that so far, there would be more clarity once the detailed project report was prepared. The DPR might be ready by May or June, he informed.