In an open letter to the 2.5 crore electricity consumers in the state, the Energy Coordination Cell, Energy Department of Andhra Pradesh government has urged them to inculcate the habit of energy conservation by treating it as a social responsibility.
"As a short term measure, power utilities have finalised orders and entered agreements for procurement of power around 1300 MW per month till May 2013. As a medium term measure, the AP Power utilities are in the process of purchasing around 1000 MW power from June, 2013 to June, 2016 by forecasting the future requirements of the electricity consumers," the letter said.
"In spite of taking all measures, though it is painful, power cuts have become inevitable in view of ever-increasing demand and to protect the grid from collapsing...," it said.
The letter said the government is contemplating cash rewards for those consumers, who do well in conservation efforts.
An action plan on conservation of energy will be finalised shortly and a high-level review meeting would take place on the issue on Thursday.
The letter also gave several tips to the consumers for saving energy. They include avoiding usage of air conditioners indiscriminately and using solar heaters over electric geysers in government guest houses.