Andhra Pradesh to launch power dept recruitment drive to strengthen supply

POWER UP!

■ Andhra Pradesh to launch Electricity Department recruitment drive with approval of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to address staff shortages.

■ 5,580 Secretariat Energy Assistants undergoing specialised training in Visakhapatnam; move expected to fill 77% of vacancies.

■ Recruitment for Assistant Engineers to begin soon; 18,000 outsourcing staff currently supporting field operations.

■ ₹8,000 crore works under RDSS nearing 75% completion, with feeder bifurcation and underground cabling to boost power reliability.

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Andhra Pradesh government will soon initiate a recruitment drive in the Electricity Department to address staff shortages and strengthen power supply services across the State, Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar announced on Thursday. The recruitment process will be taken up with the approval of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Minister informed the Legislative Council while responding to questions raised by members Alapati Rajendra Prasad, Kavali Greeshma, and B.T. Naidu.

Emphasising the importance of adequate manpower at the field level, the Minister said staffing remains critical to ensuring quality and uninterrupted electricity supply to consumers. He noted that nearly 18,000 personnel are currently working through outsourcing and contract arrangements to support restoration works and maintain continuous power supply. The department, he added, is implementing sustained measures to minimise power interruptions, strengthen maintenance systems, and improve voltage stability as part of its commitment to delivering reliable 24x7 electricity services.

Gottipati Ravi Kumar stated that 5,580 Secretariat Energy Assistants across the State are undergoing specialised training under the supervision of the Energy Department. The training is being conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Visakhapatnam to enable effective utilisation of their services. Once these personnel are fully integrated into departmental operations, nearly 77 percent of existing vacancies are expected to be addressed.

The Minister also announced that recruitment for Assistant Engineers (AEs) will commence shortly, while a decision on filling Linemen posts will be taken at an appropriate time. Until then, available contract and outsourcing staff are being strategically deployed to ensure uninterrupted field operations and service delivery.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Minister said works worth ₹8,000 crore are currently underway under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to enhance the quality and reliability of power supply. As part of the programme, feeder-level bifurcation is being implemented to separate agricultural feeders, thereby reducing disruptions in rural electricity supply. Nearly 75 percent of the works have already been completed, and the government aims to achieve full completion by April next year.

In cyclone-prone regions such as Visakhapatnam, underground cabling systems are being installed to minimise damage during extreme weather events. The Minister praised Electricity Department personnel for their commitment during natural disasters, noting that staff often work beyond regional and DISCOM boundaries. He cited recent instances in Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada where teams worked round the clock to restore power within 24 hours following adverse weather conditions.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Minister said the Energy Department is focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving service standards, and ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply network across Andhra Pradesh.