Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 01 November 2025
The Electricity Department, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, is undertaking concerted efforts to enhance generation capacity and restore stable power supply across South Andaman.
In recent weeks, the department has added 5.5 MW to the grid through the revival of diesel generator (DG) units at the 10 MW private power plant in Bambooflat. The first 2.5 MW was synchronized with the grid on September 14, followed by an additional 3 MW on October 26. These efforts have raised the total available capacity during evening peak hours from 33 MW to 38.5 MW.
A press release informed that the revival of another 1 MW redundant DG set at Bambooflat is underway and expected to be completed by November 10, taking the total capacity close to 39.5 MW.
Parallel to these restoration measures, the Administration has been fast-tracking multiple power augmentation projects. Recently, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) — one for 10 MW and another for 5 MW — which have since been executed with the respective firms. Installation and commissioning work for both projects are progressing on schedule, with completion targeted by the end of November.
In addition, a new 2.5 MW DG set is being installed in-house at the Phoenix Bay Power House, which is expected to be commissioned by mid-November. The press release stated that these combined efforts will help bring South Andaman closer to power supply normalisation by strengthening grid reliability and ensuring adequate capacity to meet the growing demand.
While the department continues to expand conventional generation, consumers are also being encouraged to adopt rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY). The scheme offers both central and UT subsidies, enabling households and establishments to become energy self-reliant while supporting the Administration’s broader goal of “de-dieselization” and sustainable power generation.
