Andhra power utility deploys 4,000 workers ahead of Cyclone Arnab

The Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has activated emergency protocols ahead of Cyclone Arnab, establishing 41 control rooms across its service area to coordinate rapid response operations. The utility has positioned 4,056 workers on standby to restore power infrastructure in districts expected to face severe weather impact.

Kakinada, East Godavari, and Konaseema districts are identified as zones likely to experience the most significant damage from the cyclone. These three districts are home to critical power distribution infrastructure that serves hundreds of thousands of consumers across the region.

To facilitate rapid reporting of power disruptions, APEPDCL has activated helpline 1912 for residents to lodge complaints and seek assistance. The dedicated control rooms will operate round-the-clock to monitor grid conditions and coordinate restoration efforts as the cyclone passes through the region.

The preemptive deployment reflects lessons learned from previous cyclones and represents a coordinated effort to minimise outage duration and restore normalcy quickly following the system's passage. The utility has stockpiled equipment and spare parts at strategic locations to enable swift repairs to damaged lines and transformers.