SHILLONG, July 19: The state government is taking adequate steps to overcome the power crisis in the state which have become an annual affair.
The government recently signed an MoU with NTPC Limited to conduct feasibility study for hydroelectric power projects.
MeECL Chairman Cum Managing Director, Sanjay Goyal told reporters on Wednesday that hydroelectric projects have long gestation period but the government is exploring the feasibility of developing phase II of the Myntdu-Leshka Hydro Electric Project (MLHEP) and the long-pending Kynshi project in addition to other smaller projects that could potentially generate power to the tune of 10-20 MW each.
Informing that some preliminary study has been conducted for these projects, Goyal said MeECL is close to completing the detailed project report for the second phase of MLHEP under which four units with a capacity of 70 MW each will be developed.
“Once the DPR is ready, the aspect of funding would come. We will have to see what kind of funding is available from central agencies,” he added.
As far as the Kynshi project is concerned, Goyal said the first part of the project has turned unviable and now MeECL is looking to integrate it with some other ideas.
Asked if the state will be able to generate enough power to meet the demands during the lean season,
Goyal said management of the power portfolio is a complex exercise since it is difficult to predict the demand and availability of power.
He admitted that the state faces shortage during the lean season since MeECL is unable to get its share from generating companies. “This is when the state has to manage through banking or purchase of power,” he said.
He also mentioned that currently MeECL has no outstanding dues to be paid to the generation companies.
“There is one disputed matter with NTPC, which has gone to the court, and we are trying to settle the matter amicably,” he said.
