SHILLONG: In anticipation of potential power shortages during the upcoming festive season, the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) has reassured the public that comprehensive measures have been implemented to ensure a steady power supply across the state.
Speaking to the press on December 21, Sanjay Goyal, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of MeECL, highlighted the corporation’s proactive efforts to anticipate and meet the increased energy demand expected during peak festive times.
“We anticipate the average daily requirement to touch around 400 megawatts during this festive season, and arrangements have been made accordingly,” he said.
Goyal also informed about the strategic approach employed by MeECL, including agreements with external energy providers and the utilisation of their own generation capacity.
He specifically mentioned the reassuring status of the Umiam Lake reservoir level. “With the agreements in place and our own generation capabilities, we are confident that there will be no power shortage during this festive season,” he assured.
Expanding on the power department’s preparedness, Goyal added, “As far as availability is concerned, there’s no shortage. We’ve already worked out the requirements, even considering the average daily demand of roughly 300 megawatts. The power department is quite comfortable with the arrangements in place.”
Earlier in May, the Meghalaya High Court had directed the government and MeECL to file independent affidavits addressing rampant power cuts in the state.
The division bench, headed by former Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh, ordered the submission of affidavits within a fortnight.
These affidavits were required to outline immediate, short-term, and long-term measures, projections of demand, and action plans during accidental power plant shutdowns.
Additionally, the court requested information on equitable load-shedding hours distribution and alternative arrangements for essential services like hospitals, airports, and key installations.
As Meghalaya gears up for the festive season, the comprehensive preparations by MeECL aim to ensure uninterrupted power supply, providing residents and businesses with a seamless and joyful celebration.
