Imphal, July 23: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday said that the steady rise in population and the corresponding increase in the number of electricity consumers — from individual households to commercial establishments and industries — have brought new challenges to the state’s power sector.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla said that reforms in the power sector have transformed electricity into a major avenue for investment, innovation and business, highlighting the need for robust regulation to safeguard consumer interests and ensure equitable growth. The Governor, the Chief Minister and senior officials attended the first Foundation Day celebration of the Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission (MnERC) here on Thursday.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said that electricity has become one of the most essential requirements of modern society and is indispensable for the socio-economic development of the state. He noted that with the steady population growth, the number of electricity consumers — from individual households to commercial establishments and industries — has increased significantly, creating new challenges for the power sector.
Expressing confidence in the Commission, the Chief Minister said that the MnERC would continue to undertake visionary initiatives and progressive measures for the benefit of electricity consumers across the state. He further assured that the state government would extend all possible support to the Commission in implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening the power sector, improving service delivery and safeguarding consumer interests.
Addressing the function, Governor Bhalla extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Chairperson, Secretary, officers and staff of the Commission on the occasion of its first Foundation Day. He said the celebration provided an opportunity not only to commemorate the Commission’s achievements over the past year but also to reflect on its evolving role and responsibilities in shaping a transparent, efficient and consumer-centric power sector. Emphasising that electricity is the foundation of modern development, the Governor said that reliable, affordable and quality power supply is indispensable for Manipur’s economic progress and the well-being of its people.
He also acknowledged the tireless efforts of engineers, technicians, field personnel and support staff whose dedication, often under challenging conditions, ensures uninterrupted power supply across the state. Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Bhalla said that a modern, resilient and consumer-centric power sector would remain a cornerstone of national development. He expressed confidence that the Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission would continue to uphold the highest standards of transparency, professionalism and sound regulation while contributing to the state’s sustainable development.
The Manipur Electricity Regulatory Commission (MnERC) is an independent statutory body constituted by the Government of Manipur under Section 82 of the Electricity Act, 2003. The Commission is mandated to regulate tariffs for electricity generation, transmission and distribution, issue licences to electricity utilities, oversee power procurement, facilitate intra-state transmission and electricity trading, promote renewable energy, adjudicate disputes among stakeholders, and protect consumer interests by ensuring the quality, continuity and reliability of electricity services across the state. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, MnERC Chairperson Soubam Ibopishak Singh, senior government officials, officers of the Commission and other dignitaries were present at the celebration.
IANS
