MeECL sets target to cut AT&C losses

SHILLONG, Feb 7: The Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) has set an ambitious target to bring down its Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses to 12%.
AT&C loss is an actual measure of performance of a power distribution system as it includes both technical losses and commercial losses. It shows the gap of input energy into the system and the units for which the payment is collected.
MeECL has for years struggled with high AT&C losses, which significantly contributed to its financial difficulties. According to government sources, the current AT&C losses stand at approximately 18%.
Officials noted that just three to four years ago, the AT&C losses were alarmingly high at around 35%. However, through strategic planning and implementation of various measures, the corporation managed to significantly reduce the losses.
When asked about the strategies to achieve further reduction to 12%, sources said efforts are focused at the sub-divisional level.  The government has initiated the installation of meters on transformers to accurately track energy consumption and identify instances of power theft.
Meanwhile, the Power Department is preparing to transfer a few hundred acres of land to the Tourism Department for the beautification of Umiam Lake. Sources revealed that necessary surveys are underway to facilitate the handover.
MeECL owns land in various parts of the Umiam Lake vicinity, and the Tourism Department has expressed an interest in utilising the land to enhance the lake’s aesthetic and tourism potential.
“The Tourism Department wants the land at the earliest, and we are making efforts to expedite the handover,” a source stated.
The decision to transfer the land has been defended as a strategic move to prevent encroachment. Authorities acknowledge that there have been repeated attempts to illegally occupy MeECL land, and the beautification project could help in addressing such issues while promoting tourism and development in the region
The state government remains committed to both reducing energy losses and improving tourism infrastructure, which are seen as key steps toward Meghalaya’s economic growth and sustainability.