In Assembly
SHILLONG: If one goes by the words of Power Minister Clement Marak, the state will definitely see ‘achche din’ as far as power scenario is concerned.
Marak on Thursday claimed in the Assembly that from 2015 to 2023-24 the power scenario in the state will change with the addition of state’s own projects, projects from Northeast and also increase in the Central share of power to the state in the next ten years.
The minister said this while replying to a motion moved by James Sangma (NPP) on the poor functioning of power department with reference to frequent power cuts and poor implementation of rural electrification programme.
In 2014-15, while the Central share of power for Meghalaya is 59 MW, the state’s own generation is 94 MW and the total availability is 253 MW. However, the unrestricted energy requirement will be 229.5 MW.
He said in 2015-16 while the Central share of power will be 210.93 MW, the state’s own generation will be 95 MW and the total availability will be 306 MW whereas the requirement will be 229.5 MW.
The Minister pointed that with more hydel and thermal projects coming up in the Northeast including Meghalaya, the projected central share of power to the state in 2023-24 will be 260.93 MW and the state’s own generation will be 462 MW. While the total availability of power will be 723 MW, the energy requirement will be only 458.6 MW.
Earlier, while moving the motion, Sangma said that the Power Minister had promised that there would be uninterrupted power supply during the ongoing ICC World Cup, but in vain.
However, the reply of the Government was that there was power disruption due to inclement weather.
Sangma also expressed concern over many equipments meant for rural electrification under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana lying idle for long all over Garo Hills.
However, the Minister assured that as many as 112 personnel will be employed to carry out rural electrification.
During the discussion, Jemino Mawthoh (UDP) stressed the need of financial restructuring to address the issues plaguing the power sector in the state.
The Minister said that over the years, power demand in the state has increased rapidly, coupled with the need for quality power supply. “This has put a tremendous strain on the resources, namely manpower, money and material of the corporations”, Marak said.
The corporations are also facing difficulties in other areas, namely, environmental clearances, construction of lines and sub-stations, difficult terrain, among others which are hampering the effort of the corporations to serve the people of the state, he said.
However, according to the Minister, inspite of the many challenges faced, the power sector in the state has progressed.
He also said that MeECL has set up a Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum to help the consumers to seek redressal of any grievance with respect to power supply and billing.
The Corporation has also launched online payment facility. “Soon payment kiosks and a Customer Care Centre will also be launched, Marak said.