Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 7: The Electricity Department has reduced load shedding duration in South Andaman to 45 minutes during evening hours, following an increase in power generation capacity, and has issued a revised schedule with immediate effect.
According to the department, the earlier load shedding schedule issued on December 16, 2025 had an average duration of 60 minutes. However, during March 2025, only around 45 minutes of load shedding was implemented in practice. With improvements in generation capacity, the department has now formalised the reduced duration in a new schedule.
Officials stated that ongoing augmentation efforts across South Andaman have contributed to the reduction. The addition of 2.5 MW generating capacity at Phoenix Bay Power House and the commissioning of a new 5 MW plant by M/s Modern Hiring Services on February 3, 2026 have significantly eased the power shortage.
Under the revised plan, load shedding will now be restricted to 45 minutes during evening hours, while day and night time load shedding has been exempted. The department clarified that any load shedding outside the scheduled evening hours will depend on unforeseen shortages caused by weather conditions or technical breakdowns.
Further projects aimed at eliminating load shedding are in progress. A 10 MW heavy power plant by M/s Sudhir Sales and Services Ltd. is expected to be commissioned shortly. In addition, in-house augmentation projects involving 3 units of 2000 KVA diesel generator sets at Phoenix Bay Power House and 7 units of 2000 KVA diesel generator sets at Chatham Power House are currently under the tendering process.
The administration has also highlighted the role of the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana in reducing dependence on grid-based electricity. The scheme supports households in installing rooftop solar systems with subsidised initial investment, enabling consumers to save on energy bills and supply surplus power back to the grid. Authorities have urged residents to adopt rooftop solar systems and transition from consumers to prosumers, contributing to energy independence and the country’s net zero emission goals.
The revised load shedding schedule will remain in force for a minimum of 30 days. Public cooperation has been sought to manage electricity consumption and support conservation efforts.
As per the schedule, different areas across South Andaman will face 45-minute outages in a staggered manner between 1600 hrs and 2245 hrs. Areas including Buniyadabad, Delanipur, Coast Guard establishments, Chatham and Brichgunj will be affected between 1600 hrs and 1645 hrs. Regions such as Sippighat, Chouldari, Mithakhari, Namunaghar, Bhatubasti and parts of Pahargaon will see outages from 1645 hrs to 1730 hrs.
Between 1730 hrs and 1815 hrs, supply interruptions will impact Garacharama, Dollygunj, Minnie Bay and surrounding areas. The next slot from 1815 hrs to 1900 hrs will cover Garacharama, Junglighat, Dairy Farm and parts of Aberdeen Bazaar and Netaji Stadium areas.
From 1900 hrs to 1945 hrs, areas including Shadipur, South Point, RGT Road, JNRM College, CIARI and Calicut will be affected. The 1945 hrs to 2030 hrs slot includes Sippighat, Wandoor, Guptapara, Manglutan, Haddo and adjoining regions.
Between 2030 hrs and 2115 hrs, outages will occur in Nayagaon, Delanipur, Phoenix Bay, Marine Hill and Dugnabad. The 2115 hrs to 2200 hrs slot covers Chidiyatapu, Rangachang, Police Line, Secretariat and surrounding areas.
The final slot from 2200 hrs to 2245 hrs includes Dairy Farm Junction, Aberdeen Bazaar, Cellular Jail, Marina Park, Megapode, Foreshore Road and airport-adjacent regions.
The department reiterated that the revised schedule reflects improved supply conditions and ongoing efforts to stabilise power availability across South Andaman.
