The Electricity Department of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has achieved a significant milestone in improving South Andaman’s power supply with the successful addition of 5.5 megawatts (MW) to the electricity grid. The enhancement, achieved through the revival of diesel generator (DG) units at the Bambooflat power plant, has provided much-needed relief to consumers facing supply constraints in recent months.
According to the department, three dormant DG units in the 10 MW private power plant at Bambooflat were repaired, restored, and synchronized with the grid on September 14, 2025, adding 2.5 MW to the island’s overall capacity. Continuing its efforts to stabilize and strengthen power supply, an additional 3 MW was connected to the grid on October 26, following extensive coordination and technical interventions under the guidance of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.
With these improvements, the total available generation capacity during evening peak hours has risen from 33 MW to 38.5 MW. The department noted that this incremental boost has contributed to easing the pressure on the grid and improving electricity reliability for households and businesses across Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining regions.
Further enhancement is expected in the coming weeks, as revival work on a redundant 1 MW DG set at the same Bambooflat plant is underway. The department has targeted completion of this task by November 10, 2025, which will take the overall capacity to 39.5 MW. Officials stated that such measures form part of a broader plan to address the ongoing power paucity and enhance energy resilience in South Andaman.
In parallel, significant progress is being made on long-term power infrastructure expansion projects. Recently, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved two Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for 10 MW and 5 MW capacities with respective private firms. The Electricity Department confirmed that installation and commissioning activities under these agreements are progressing steadily, with completion expected by the end of November 2025.
Simultaneously, in-house efforts to augment generation capacity at the Phoenix Bay Power House (PBPH) are underway. A new 2.5 MW DG set is being installed and is slated for commissioning by mid-November. Once operational, it will add further stability to the South Andaman grid, ensuring that the region’s increasing electricity demands are met without disruption.
While these infrastructure expansions aim to address immediate and medium-term energy requirements, the Electricity Department has also emphasized the importance of public participation in advancing renewable energy goals. Consumers have been urged to adopt Rooftop Solar (RTS) systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG-MBY), a national initiative designed to make households energy self-reliant while offering substantial subsidies.
Department officials have encouraged residents to utilize this scheme not only to reduce electricity bills but also to contribute to the islands’ sustainability efforts. By transitioning towards decentralized solar power, households can support the administration’s broader mission of “de-dieselization”, reducing dependency on fossil fuels and advancing the green energy transition.
The Electricity Department highlighted that increased solar adoption would complement ongoing diesel generation efforts, helping to balance grid demand during peak hours and minimize environmental impact. The initiative aligns with India’s larger goal of promoting clean energy and ensuring that remote and island territories achieve energy independence in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The Administration’s recent measures reflect a strategic balance between immediate restoration of existing infrastructure and the gradual transition toward renewable energy systems. The revival of DG units has temporarily alleviated supply constraints, while projects under PPA agreements and rooftop solar schemes signal a long-term shift toward sustainable power generation.
As the region moves closer to achieving nearly 40 MW of installed capacity by mid-November, the Electricity Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power for all sectors, including residential, commercial, and essential services. The department’s efforts — combining technical restoration, infrastructure augmentation, and renewable energy promotion, aim to deliver a reliable, cleaner, and more sustainable power ecosystem for South Andaman.
By strengthening generation capacity and encouraging community participation in solar adoption, the administration envisions a future where the islands can balance development needs with environmental preservation, a key step toward building a resilient and energy-secure Andaman.
