The AP State Energy Department has decided to temporarily shut down its hydel power generation unit at Upper Sileru in the Eastern Ghats bordering Odisha, in Alluri Sitarama Raju district, as an energy conservation measure (saving of water).
The water saved can be used to restart plant operations when needed during peak summer, possibly from May, it is said.
The move will not only save the natural resource (water) required for power generation during the peak season (summer), but also save money (₹430-500 crore) for the State government. In summer, the State government usually spends at least ₹10 per unit to purchase power from open markets if demand is high.
