Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) April 16: A 10 MW addition to the power generation capacity at Chatham Power House is set to strengthen electricity supply in South Andaman, even as recent breakdowns of multiple diesel generator sets have strained the current power situation.
The Electricity Department, supported by the UT Administration, has completed testing of the new power facility, marking a significant step in enhancing infrastructure aimed at delivering more reliable electricity to consumers. The newly installed 10 MW plant was successfully tested at full capacity on April 14, 2026, in the presence of departmental engineers.
Officials stated that the plant is expected to become operational within the next three to four days. Once commissioned, it is likely to provide substantial relief to residents of Sri Vijaya Puram and adjoining areas, where power demand has remained high.
The development comes at a time when South Andaman is facing supply challenges due to the sudden breakdown of five diesel generator (DG) sets. The disruption has affected the overall power availability in the region, leading to a temporary imbalance in supply.
The Electricity Department said efforts are underway to repair and restore the affected DG sets. According to officials, the restoration work is expected to be completed within a week, which would help stabilise the power situation further once the generators return to full capacity.
Despite the current setback, the addition of the 10 MW capacity is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap between demand and supply. The department views the commissioning of the Chatham plant as a key milestone in its ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure and improve service reliability across the islands.
Authorities have urged consumers to use electricity judiciously during this period to help manage the shortfall. Responsible consumption, officials said, will assist in maintaining stability in supply until the damaged DG sets are fully restored and operational.
The department reiterated that it remains committed to strengthening the power network in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through continued upgrades and timely interventions. The dual approach of capacity addition and restoration work is aimed at ensuring minimal disruption to residents and essential services.
With the new plant nearing commercial operation and repair work progressing on existing infrastructure, officials expect the power situation in South Andaman to improve in the coming days.
