Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 16 December 2025
The Electricity Department has informed the general public, Government Departments and private organisations that the average duration of load shedding in South Andaman has been significantly lower than earlier projected and is set to reduce further in the coming weeks, with multiple power augmentation projects nearing completion.
According to the Department, the load shedding schedule issued on November 3, 2025 had indicated an average power cut duration of five hours. However, during November 2025, the actual average load shedding implemented was only about 1.34 hours, reflecting improved power availability and operational management.
To further enhance power generation capacity and minimise, or completely eliminate, load shedding in South Andaman, the Department is executing several augmentation projects. A major milestone has already been achieved with the completion of an additional 2.5 MW generating capacity at the Phoenix Bay Power House. Meanwhile, a 5 MW Hired Power Plant (HPP) by M/s Modern Hiring Services is expected to be commissioned by January 15, 2026, followed by a 10 MW HPP by M/s Sudhir Sales & Services Ltd., which is likely to be commissioned by the end of January 2026.
In addition, in-house augmentation is being planned through the installation of new diesel generator sets. The tendering process is underway for three 2000 KVA DG sets at Phoenix Bay Power House and seven 2000 KVA DG sets at CPH.
Pending completion of these projects, the Department has announced a revised tentative load shedding schedule, reducing the average duration to 3.5 hours. It has been clarified that night-time load shedding has been fully exempted and that the actual average power cut is expected to remain below one hour. The Department noted that the duration and timing may vary depending on power availability, weather conditions and technical factors. The revised schedule will remain in force for 30 days with immediate effect.
The Department has also urged consumers to reduce dependence on grid power by adopting rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The scheme offers subsidised initial investment, significant savings on electricity bills and the option to sell surplus power to the grid. Consumers have been encouraged to install rooftop solar systems in domestic households, become “prosumers” from consumers, and contribute towards India’s Net Zero emission goals.
