Hyderabad Pushes Solar Plan To Upgrade Power Grid and Public Awareness Drive
Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister has directed the state’s power utility to fast-track digital upgrades and step up citizen outreach. At a recent review meeting with senior officials of the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL), the Deputy CM called for urgent adoption of advanced systems to enhance grid reliability, optimise transformer loads, and strengthen the state’s long-term solar strategy.
The meeting signalled a renewed political commitment to climate-responsive, tech-integrated urban governance. Of particular focus was the Feeder Outage Management System (FOMS), which has now been rolled out across more than 5,500 of the state’s 6,500 electricity feeders. The system allows for real-time tracking of feeder-level power disruptions, paving the way for faster resolution and transparency. Officials confirmed that full implementation is on track in the coming months, with the goal of delivering consistent power supply across urban and rural service areas. The Deputy CM also highlighted the importance of ISO 9000 certification secured by SPDCL, framing it as a critical benchmark in the department’s move toward internationally recognised service standards. He urged directors to complete pending infrastructure tasks with a focus on accountability and time-bound implementation, reinforcing that technical efficiency must translate into visible public benefit.
An often overlooked but crucial area addressed during the meeting was the responsiveness of field staff. Drawing parallels with emergency medical response systems, the Deputy CM praised the electricity department’s 1912 helpline for its swift issue resolution and encouraged further improvements to its responsiveness. This consumer support model, he noted, should function with the same urgency and precision as the 108 ambulance network. In an important pivot towards sustainability, officials were instructed to adopt a proactive approach to transformer installation, ensuring each operates at only 70 percent of its capacity. This anticipatory load planning is intended to reduce outages caused by overburdened transformers during peak demand hours, particularly as electricity consumption rises in urbanising districts. The meeting also touched on Telangana’s long-term renewable energy plans. The Deputy CM reaffirmed the state’s commitment to scaling up solar adoption and instructed officials to formulate a state-wide solar roadmap.
While specifics are yet to be detailed, early indicators suggest that residential and institutional rooftop solar programmes may form the core of this push. Officials also discussed setting up integrated dashboards to track solar adoption and feeder-level load data, aiding smarter grid management. Recognising the communication gap between utilities and citizens, the Deputy CM directed the department to roll out a robust public awareness campaign. This will focus on educating consumers about department services, grid upgrades, and the benefits of solar and energy-efficient appliances. By improving transparency and promoting consumer involvement, the campaign aims to restore public trust and increase service uptake.
