Deputy CM wants power utilities to be prepared to meet rising energy demand with El Nino impact - The HinduPublished - July 18, 2026 08:05 pm IST - HYDERABADDeputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka at a meeting with officials of the power utilities in Hyderabad on Saturday. | Photo Credit: By ArrangementHYDERABADDeputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka instructed the authorities of power utilities to be prepared to meet the increasing demand of energy in the State in the wake of drought conditions induced by the El Nino impact. He told them to ensure supply of uninterrupted and quality power to all categories of consumers.A comprehensive action plan must be put in place to ensure to meet the demand under all circumstances, he asked the officials at a review meeting held here on Saturday. Special Chief Secretary (Energy) Navin Mittal and Principal Secretary (Finance) Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Chairmen and Managing Directors Buddhaprakash Jyoti (Singareni Collieries), Jitesh V. Patil (SPDCL), D. Krishna Bhaskar (TG-Transco) and senior executives of TG-Genco and NPDCL participated in the meeting.He instructed the authorities of the utilities to expand ‘power ambulance’ services modelled on the 108 emergency system across the State. He appreciated the installation of GPS tracking in over 168 vehicles across 21 circles and the provision of rapid services through the command control centre at Erragadda.In a PowerPoint presentation, the CMD of SPDCL highlighted that feeder–DTR–consumer mapping was enabling quick identification of power interruptions, faster restoration, efficient grievance redressal and accurate energy auditing. The Deputy Chief Minister wanted the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies into power distribution to ensure transparent services.On the need for acquiring new coal blocks by Singareni Collieries he said it was necessary to enhance production in line with the growing power needs of Telangana. He asked the Singareni officials to obtain necessary clearances for the recently allocated Tadicherla–2 block and commence production on a war footing.Published - July 18, 2026 08:05 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }