Following the bifurcation of the former Andhra Pradesh, APTRANSCO, the erstwhile state’s primary transmission utility, was restructured. In 2014, the newly formed APTRANSCO began operations in Andhra Pradesh, with its headquarters in Vijayawada. Since then, the organisation has evolved into a key player in India’s high voltage transmission sector, ensuring seamless transmission of electricity across the state.
The transmission availability has improved to 99.82 per cent (in 2023-24). APTRANSCO has played a pivotal role in the state’s economy by facilitating reliable power delivery across its network. In 2023-24, APTRANSCO’s grid handled approximately 81,000 MUs of electricity and met a peak demand of 13,712 MW during summer (May 2024), demonstrating its resilience and capacity to address the state’s growing energy requirements.
Peak demand in the state is projected to reach more than 19.9 GW by 2028-29.
A number of schemes are planned for evacuation from green energy projects, including green hydrogen hubs planned in the state, besides system improvements and renovation and modernisation of the existing network. It is also focusing on energy storage solutions to meet higher demand. Moreover, digital initiatives are being stepped up to improve APTRANSCO’s performance and make the workforce more future-ready.
Network growth and operational performance
Since the bifurcation, the state has experienced significant economic development, with a power demand witnessing a growth rate of 6 per cent since 2014-15. The state’s per capita electricity consumption has increased from 1,480 kWh in 2019 to 1,797 kWh in 2024.
APTRANSCO has also steadily reduced its transmission losses over the years, leading to enhanced efficiency and better network utilisation. While the actual loss was 2.91 per cent in 2019-20, it was reduced to 2.6 per cent by 2020-21. In 2022-23, the it was 2.61 per cent. In 2023-24, the approved loss stood at 3 per cent, while the actual loss rose negligibly to 2.69 per cent.
The organisation also boasts robust infrastructure, including 371 extra high tension (EHT) substations, 66,638 MVA of EHT capacity and over 32,000 ckt km of transmission lines. Between 2019-20 and 2023-24, the number of 400 kV substations in APTRANSCO’s network increased from 15 to 18, 220 kV substations from 101 to 106, and 132 kV from 219 to 242.
To ensure the resilience and efficiency of this infrastructure, APTRANSCO is constructing gas-insulated substations (GISs) at strategic locations, such as a 400 kV GIS at Thallayapalem, and 400 kV and 220 kV GISs at Atchutapuram. It has an operational 132 kV GIS at Moghalrajpuram in NTR district.
Key initiatives
Preparedness and resilience are central to APTRANSCO’s mission. In cyclone-prone regions, APTRANSCO has fortified grid reliability by installing underground cable lines, including a 132 kV DC line from Gunadala to Moghalrajpuram and a 220 kV DC line from the 400/220 kV Atchutapuram GIS (which is in progress).
Digital transformation plays a key role, with APTRANSCO adopting AI/ML and ARC GIS for demand forecasting, network planning and predictive maintenance, alongside real-time monitoring systems. To support this, the company has conducted 77,000 man-hours of training, focusing on skill development, disaster preparedness and implementing cybersecurity solutions.
To streamline operations and provide better customer service, the company has adopted advanced IT solutions. These include tools for online joint meter readings, state load despatch centre scheduling, deviation settlement
mechanisms, load monitoring and energy management. Together, these measures showcase APTRANSCO’s focus on leveraging technology to modernise its operations and deliver results.
With the increasing use of digital technologies, APTRANSCO also recognises the importance of cybersecurity. It has implemented robust safeguards, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.
Financial performance
In terms of financial performance, the latest available data indicates that the company’s total income grew from
Rs 25.65 billion as of March 31, 2021, to Rs 32.45 billion by March 31, 2023, while its profit after tax (PAT) rose from Rs 2.16 billion to Rs 6.19 billion during the same period, reflecting stable financial performance alongside its infrastructure investment strategy.
Capital expenditure decreased from
Rs 30.66 billion in 2022-23 to Rs 27.43 billion in 2023-24, but is projected to increase to Rs 39.55 billion in 2024-25.
Future outlook
APTRANSCO’s future plans are centred on strengthening and modernising its transmission network to address growing energy demands, reducing congestion and improving operational efficiency. Over the next five years, the utility plans to add 71 substations, 4,696 ckt km of transmission lines and 16,506.5 MVA of transformation capacity augmentation works. Of the substations planned to be added by the utility, 7 will be at the 400 kV level, 23 at the 220 kV level and 41 at the 132 kV level. Meanwhile, of the planned transmission line addition, 1,238.96 ckt km will be at the 400 kV level, 1,714.91 ckt km at the 220 kV level and 1,742.45 ckt km at the 132 kV level for the next five years.
Key initiatives include the construction of 400 kV substations at Gudivada, Ainavilli, Atchutapuram and Kakinada SEZ. The 400 kV Kakinada SEZ substation will be equipped with 500 MVA transformers and is being designed to meet the demands of the Kakinada SEZ and Kakinada port. Meanwhile, the Atchutapuram substation will be equipped with three units of 500 MVA ICTs, the designed to support 300 MW APIIC loads at Atchutapuram SEZ.
These projects are expected to enhance reliability, reduce the burden on existing substations and improve the overall power supply efficiency. Additionally, the 220 kV Nunna-Gunadala line is being upgraded to monopoles, better suited for urban areas with limited space and right-of-way challenges.
Several 220 kV schemes are planned, including new substations at Vizianagaram, Bheemili, Atchutapuram and Vepakayaladibba, along with upgrades to existing facilities such as Narsipatnam and Koppaka.
Through the green energy corridor initiative, APTRANSCO enables solar and wind transmission from Rayalaseema while addressing renewable intermittency with pumped storage and battery systems. Key projects include the 1,350 MW Upper Sileru PSP and the Ramayapatnam switching station, supporting power supply to the port and a PV manufacturing plant.
In alignment with India’s push for green hydrogen, APTRANSCO is also facilitating the transmission of renewable power from the Rayalaseema region to a coastal green hydrogen hub, helping position Andhra Pradesh as a leader in clean energy innovation. It aims to utilise the abundant renewable energy potential in Rayalaseema to support sustainable and clean energy production.
Challenges and outlook
Challenges such as land acquisition and right-of-way issues continue to slow project timelines and increase costs, as legal, social and environmental factors often complicate the process. Balancing the fluctuating supply of renewable energy is another ongoing challenge, as is maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
By embracing cutting-edge technologies and aligning its infrastructure development with emerging energy trends, APTRANSCO aims to position Andhra Pradesh’s transmission network as one of the most robust and future-ready in the country.