The Electricity Department has revised the load-shedding schedule across South Andaman, citing progress in power generation augmentation projects and a significant reduction in actual outages during November compared to earlier projections. Along with the update, the department has released a detailed area-wise and time-specific tentative schedule, effective from December 16, to help consumers plan electricity usage.
According to the department, the load-shedding schedule issued on November 3 had projected an average outage duration of around five hours. However, data from November 2025 indicates that the actual average load shedding implemented during the month was approximately 1.34 hours, reflecting improved power availability and system management.
Officials said multiple augmentation projects are underway to further stabilise supply. An additional 2.5 MW generation capacity at Phoenix Bay Power House has already been commissioned. A 5 MW hired power plant is expected to be commissioned by January 15, 2026, while a 10 MW hired power plant is scheduled for commissioning by the end of January 2026. In-house augmentation through installation of 2000 KVA diesel generator sets at Phoenix Bay Power House and Chatham Power House is also under the tendering process.
In the interim, the department has reduced the average load-shedding duration to about three-and-a-half hours under a new tentative schedule, with officials indicating that the actual average is expected to remain below one hour. Night-hour load shedding has been exempted. The department clarified that timings and duration may vary depending on power availability, weather conditions and technical factors, and that the schedule will remain in force for 30 days.
As per the revised schedule, load shedding between 6 am and 11 am will be carried out in batches across areas including Chidiyatapu, Brookshabad, Hopetown, Delanipur, Minnie Bay, Haddo, Prothrapur, Garacharama, Nayagaon, Tiger, Outer feeders, Dairy Farm, Lamba Line, School Line, Junglighat, Dugnabad, Supply Line, Shoal Bay, Coast Guard, Defence areas, Calicut, Bazaar and surrounding localities, with each batch affected for approximately one hour.
Between 11 am and 4 pm, load shedding will continue in rotation across the same feeder zones, covering residential and institutional areas such as Austinabad, Burmanallah, Rangachang, Wimberlygunj, Bambooflat, Sippighat, Chouldari, Ferrargunj, Jirkatang, Stewartgunj, Wandoor, Manglutan, and adjoining regions.
During the evening hours from 4 pm to 10 pm, areas including Dollygunj, Pahargaon, ICMR Colony, Haddo Wharf, Bhatubasti, Satellite Colony, Chatham, IOC and MES Power House zones, Garacharama, Dairy Farm, Minnie Bay, Prothrapur, Nayagaon, Sippighat, Bimblitan, Manjeri, Guptapara and Wandoor will be affected in staggered slots ranging from 90 minutes to two hours. Load shedding between 10 pm and 11.30 pm will apply to select areas such as Delanipur, Lamba Line, Bazaar, Megapode, Coast Guard, Medical and Calicut feeders, while night-hour load shedding beyond this period has been exempted.
The department has reiterated that the schedule is purely tentative and subject to change based on real-time system conditions. Consumers have been advised to refer to feeder-wise timings and remain prepared for minor variations.
Alongside supply-side measures, the department has once again urged consumers to adopt rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Officials said the scheme is helping households reduce dependence on grid power by offering subsidised installation, long-term savings on electricity bills and the option to sell surplus power back to the grid, contributing to energy independence and India’s net-zero emission goals.
The Electricity Department stated that continued augmentation of generation capacity, combined with increased adoption of rooftop solar, is expected to further reduce load shedding and improve power reliability across South Andaman in the coming months.
