SHILLONG: The State Government is planning to release Rs 469 crore to clear the pending power dues of Rs 772.25 crore to various power companies.
An official source said on Sunday the State Government wants to clear Rs 469 crore so that it can get power from these companies.
The companies to which the government owes money include NEEPCO (Rs 612.93 crore), NHPC (Rs 30.89 crore), NTPC (Rs 49.27 crore), ONGC Tripura Power Company (Rs 37.41) and Powergrid (Rs 41.75 crore).
The source added that once the dues are paid, the State would be able to get additional power from these utilities.
Though MeECL had resorted to power cuts a few months ago, the load shedding was withdrawn later due to religious festivals followed by examinations.
Moreover, MeECL has not implemented load shedding during the ongoing winter.
Though this will bring additional financial burden, the government is planning to take loan to tide over the crisis.
Earlier, the state cabinet had entrusted MeECL to take a loan of Rs 496.33 crore from Power Finance Corporation (PFC), and this was agreed by PFC.
POWER DUES
NEEPCO: Rs 612.93 cr
NHPC: Rs 30.89 cr
NTPC: Rs 49.27 cr
OTPC: Rs 37.41 cr
POWERGRID: Rs 41.75 cr
TOTAL: Rs 772.25 crore
