Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Wednesday directed officials to remain on high alert during August, September and October in view of the impact of El Nino on the power sector.Reviewing the preparedness of the Energy Department at the Secretariat, Mr. Ravi Kumar instructed the officials of APGenco and APTransco to work in close coordination to ensure uninterrupted power supply and prevent inconvenience to consumers.Noting that hydroelectric and wind power generation had declined due to deficient rainfall this year, he asked the officials to focus on thermal power generation while stepping up renewable energy output.The Minister directed the utilities to maintain coal stocks sufficient for at least 15 days of generation and advised them to procure imported coal whenever the U.S. dollar and market indices were favourable.He stressed the need to ensure that the current daily demand of about 280 million units was met without disruption and called for greater utilisation of Battery Energy Storage Systems.APGenco Managing Director S. Nagalakshmi and senior officials of the Energy Department and power utilities attended the meeting. Published - July 22, 2026 10:43 pm IST