SHILLONG: The Power department finds itself in disarray as it has run up outstanding bills to nearly Rs 2000 crore.
Sources said that the department owes around Rs 1100 crore to different power generating agencies like NEEPCO, NTPC and others.
Besides, the department also has to clear benefits to its employees, including pension, worth around Rs 800 crore.
Sources said that the department in its bid to improve the financial condition is now once again looking to revive the power projects which were earlier supposed to be executed by private partners in the state.
It may be mentioned that the state roughly generates around 160-170 MW power during the peak period, of which 15-20 MW is surplus, but during the lean period, the state becomes power-deficit.
The power scenario in the state is so grim that every night it has to bear the brunt of load shedding for a few hours.
In the past 7-8 years, only two big hydro power projects, including the 126 MW Myntdu Leshka Hydro Electric Power Project and 40 MWNew Umtru Hydro Power Project, were commissioned.
Earlier, Power Minister James Sangma had said that bigger projects involve a rigorous process. As for the smaller projects, the government has been able to put things back on track and very soon construction will start, he said.
