AP Free Power Supply Scheme – Benefits, How to Apply, Eligibility Criteria

The AP Free Power Supply Scheme is a groundbreaking initiative introduced by the Andhra Pradesh government to empower farmers, aqua farmers, and marginalized communities by providing access to free or subsidized electricity. Launched to alleviate the financial burden on agricultural households and promote sustainable farming practices, this scheme offers nine hours of free daytime electricity to over 1.8 million farmers, while providing support to 2.3 million SC/ST families.

Aqua farmers benefit from power at a subsidized rate of just ₹1.50 per unit. Imagine being able to irrigate your fields or power your home without the stress of skyrocketing electricity bills—this is the reality that Andhra Pradesh aims to create for its rural population. Supported by a budget of ₹4,525 crore, the scheme is transforming agriculture and enhancing rural livelihoods. In this blog post, we will explore the scheme’s features, benefits, application process, and its impact on building a stronger, more inclusive Andhra Pradesh.

AP Free Power Supply Scheme – Overview

Eligibility Criteria for the AP Free Power Supply Scheme

The AP Free Power Supply Scheme is designed to support farmers, aqua farmers, and marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh by providing free or subsidized electricity. To qualify for this transformative initiative, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Residency: Applicants must be permanent residents of Andhra Pradesh.
• Target Groups:
  • Farmers: Must have an active agricultural electricity connection for irrigation or farming purposes.
  • SC/ST Households: Families belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) with a valid caste certificate and active domestic electricity connection.
  • Aqua Farmers: Registered aqua farmers with an active electricity connection for aquaculture activities.
  • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): Households meeting income criteria as defined by the state (specific income limits may vary; typically aligned with BPL status).
• Electricity Connection: Applicants must have an existing electricity connection registered with AP Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) or AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL).
• Documentation: Submission of required documents, including Aadhaar card, caste certificate (for SC/ST), income certificate, electricity bill, residence proof, and bank passbook.
• No Additional Restrictions: Unlike some schemes, there are no specific educational or landholding requirements, but the connection must be used for agricultural, aquacultural, or domestic purposes (for SC/ST households).

Benefits and Impact of the AP Free Power Supply Scheme

The AP Free Power Supply Scheme serves as a vital support system for farmers, aqua farmers, and marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative significantly alleviates financial burdens and enhances rural livelihoods by providing nine hours of free daytime electricity to over 1.81 million farmers. The scheme promotes efficient irrigation practices, leading to increased crop yields and sustainable farming. By eliminating the cost of electricity bills, farmers can allocate more resources towards seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, which directly boosts agricultural productivity. For 2.3 million Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) households, free electricity reduces daily living expenses, increasing access to essential appliances and improving overall quality of life.

Aqua farmers, comprising 53,649 families, benefit from subsidized electricity rates of ₹1.50 per unit, making aquaculture more affordable and competitive. This strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s position as a leader in the fisheries sector. The scheme operates with a budget of ₹4,525 crore, supporting various initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades with the addition of 6,000 new transformers and solar power installations in tribal areas to ensure reliable and eco-friendly energy access. Furthermore, disaster-resilient measures, such as underground cabling in flood-prone areas like Vijayawada, enhance the reliability of the power supply.

How to Apply for the AP Free Power Supply Scheme

Applying for the AP Free Power Supply Scheme is a simple process that aims to help eligible farmers, aqua farmers, and SC/ST households access free or subsidized electricity with ease. As of 2025, applications are mainly processed offline due to the lack of a dedicated online portal. Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in the application process:

As of 2025, applications are primarily processed offline due to the absence of a dedicated online portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply:

1. Visit a MeeSeva Center or Energy Department Office: Head to your nearest MeeSeva Center or the customer care center of AP Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) or AP Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL). These centers facilitate applications for farmers, aqua farmers, and SC/ST households.
2. Verify Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., permanent Andhra Pradesh resident, active agricultural or domestic electricity connection, SC/ST or aqua farmer status). Staff at the center can assist in confirming your eligibility.
3. Submit Required Documents: Provide the following documents for verification:
   • Aadhaar card (of the applicant).
   • PAN card.
   • Caste certificate (for SC/ST households, issued by a competent authority).
   • Income certificate (to confirm Economically Weaker Section status, if applicable).
   • Electricity bill (showing an active agricultural or domestic connection).
   • Residence proof (e.g., voter ID or ration card).
   • Passport-size photograph.
   • Bank passbook (for verification and potential fund-related processes).
   • Proof of aquaculture activities (for aqua farmers applying for subsidized rates).
4. Complete the Application Form: Obtain the application form from the MeeSeva Center or Energy Department office. Fill in details such as your name, Aadhaar number, electricity connection number, and category (farmer, SC/ST household, or aqua farmer).
5. Submit and Receive Acknowledgment: Submit the completed form and documents to the center. You’ll receive an acknowledgment receipt with a reference number to track your application status.
6. Verification Process: The application undergoes verification by local electricity authorities to confirm the active connection and eligibility. This may include field checks for agricultural or aquaculture connections.
7. Approval and Activation: Once verified, eligible applicants receive free nine-hour daytime electricity (for farmers and SC/ST households) or subsidized rates of ₹1.50 per unit (for aqua farmers), applied directly to their electricity connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the AP Free Power Supply Scheme

1. What is the AP Free Power Supply Scheme? The AP Free Power Supply Scheme is an Andhra Pradesh government initiative providing free electricity to farmers and SC/ST households for nine hours daily, and subsidized electricity (₹1.50 per unit) for aqua farmers, aimed at supporting agriculture, aquaculture, and rural livelihoods.

2. Who is eligible for the scheme? Eligible applicants include:

• Permanent Andhra Pradesh residents.
• Farmers with active agricultural electricity connections.
• SC/ST households with valid caste certificates and domestic connections.
• Aqua farmers with registered aquaculture connections.
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) with income proof.
• Must have an active connection with APSPDCL or APEPDCL.

3. How much electricity is provided for free? Farmers and SC/ST households receive nine hours of free daytime electricity daily. Aqua farmers get subsidized electricity at ₹1.50 per unit.

4. What documents are needed to apply?

• Aadhaar card.
• PAN card.
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST).
• Income certificate (for EWS).
• Electricity bill (active connection).
• Residence proof (e.g., voter ID, ration card).
• Passport-size photo.
• Bank passbook.
• Proof of aquaculture activities (for aqua farmers).

5. How can I apply for the scheme?

Apply offline at MeeSeva Centers or APSPDCL/APEPDCL customer care centers. Submit the application form with required documents. No dedicated online portal exists as of 2025. After verification, benefits are applied to your electricity connection.

6. How long does it take to receive benefits?

Post-verification, benefits (free or subsidized electricity) are applied to your connection, typically within a few weeks, depending on the verification process by local electricity authorities.

7. Can urban residents apply for the scheme? Yes, SC/ST households and aqua farmers in urban areas with active connections are eligible, though the scheme primarily targets rural farmers. Verify with APSPDCL/APEPDCL for urban-specific guidelines.

8. Where can I get help if I face issues? Contact district-specific helplines listed on apeasternpower.com or apspdcl.in, or visit MeeSeva Centers or local Energy Department offices for assistance.