Shutdowns due to infra enhancement work: Mondal
SHILLONG, Feb 4: Power Minister AT Mondal on Tuesday clarified that Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has no outstanding dues with North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO).
He issued the clarification after power outages in localities such as Rynjah, Umpling and Lapalang lasting up to five hours made some residents wonder if MeECL has any outstanding dues with NEEPCO.
Mondal said the power shutdowns were a result of infrastructure enhancement works being executed under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
“Various works, including the augmentation of poles, conductors, and transformers, are under way in these areas,” he said.
Acknowledging the grievances of affected residents, MeECL has increased manpower to expedite the ongoing works.
“We are also implementing additional measures to minimise both the frequency and the duration of power shutdowns in the affected areas,” Mondal added.
The minister said other parts of Shillong and the state will experience similar shutdowns, as the maintenance works have to be carried out during the dry season.
“This is not a case of load-shedding. The maintenance work is essential, and if we do not undertake it now, it will be impossible to execute these tasks during the monsoon season,” he said.
While residents may face temporary inconveniences, MeECL and the state government are working to ensure the long-term improvement of power infrastructure in Shillong and its surrounding areas.
Mondal acknowledged the rising demand for power. He said the power demand is growing at approximately 11 per cent, making it imperative for the state to strategise and prepare for the challenges ahead.
“We must be prepared to avoid power scarcity. Unlike other states which can afford to purchase power at high rates, Meghalaya needs to focus on local generation to meet demand efficiently. We are, therefore, exploring ways to boost power generation within the state,” Mondal said.
At present, Meghalaya is largely dependent on a handful of power projects, including Umiam, Umtrew, MLHEP, Ganol, and smaller units like Sonapani. The minister acknowledged that local energy generation at a cheaper tariff is essential to cater to the state’s increasing consumption.
He said the government allotted an 85 MW hydroelectric power project to NEEPCO in Shella-Mawsynram region but land acquisition issues created hurdles in its development. Efforts are being made to resolve this concern, he said.
To address the growing crisis, the government is actively pursuing new memorandums of understanding with private firms willing to develop power projects.
“Our goal is to attract investment, whether for small-scale projects of 1 MW or larger hydro projects. If it is a hydro project, the state will benefit from 12 per cent free power, along with an additional 1 per cent allocated for local area development,” Mondal said.
In a bid to enhance power generation, the state government has introduced a new power policy aimed at facilitating and expediting the development of energy projects. It is taking steps to ensure a sustainable and reliable power supply for the future.