State to go for power exchange from Palatana

Bleak power scenario in Feb
Short fall: 43 MW of power
Demand: 214 MW of power
Availability:  171 MW of power.
State’s generation: 46 MW
Myntdu Leshka project: 6 MW
SHILLONG: The State Government has decided to go for power exchange from Palatana project to meet the shortfall in the supply of power in the state which has led to load shedding.
Speaking to media persons after the review meeting of the power department on Monday, Power Minister Clement Marak said the State Government would work out the details of the power exchange deal within two weeks’ time.
In January, the Tripura Government commissioned the 363 MW first phase of the 726 MW Palatana gas-based thermal power project.
Stating that there is a shortage of 43-44 MW power in the state, Marak informed that Meghalaya could manage only 171 MW of power against the demand of 214 MW in the month February.
The state’s own generation has been 46 MW this month and the total anticipated average power availability is 171 MW, which includes power shares.
Reacting to a query on the power production of the multi-crore Myntdu Leshka Power project, Marak said the project is generating 6-7 MW of power owing to the lean season.
Asked about the inconvenience faced by students due to load shedding, he stated that the department has decided to review the timings of load shedding for the benefit of those preparing for board examinations.
The Minister also stressed on the need to develop thermal power projects in the state even as he informed that the Government is working on a 120 MW thermal power project near Shallang, survey and investigation for which is going on.