Shillong: Meghalaya Power Minister A.T. Mondal raised several key issues, including Pump Storage Projects (PSPs) and extension of the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) scheme to enhance transmission capacity in Meghalaya, during the ‘Regional Power Conference’ held recently in Sikkim’s Gangtok.
The meeting with energy ministers of northeastern states was attended by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Meghalaya Power Minister A T Mondal, Mizoram Power Minister F. Rodingliana, Jikke Tako, MLA cum Advisor Power (Arunachal Pradesh), and Sanjeet Kharel ( MLA cum Advisor, Sikkim).
The meeting also saw the participation of the Union Power Secretary, Secretaries (Power/ Energy) of participating states, CMDs of Central and State Power Utilities, and senior officers from the Ministry of Power.
Mondal raised critical issues concerning Pump Storage Projects (PSPs) and the need for enhanced transmission capacity in Meghalaya with the Union Power Minister.
He voiced the state’s dissatisfaction with the current modality proposed by the Union Ministry of Power (MoP) and NTPC for setting up PSPs.
He emphasized that Meghalaya should receive benefits akin to those from conventional hydroelectric projects.
The Union Power Minister, however, assured Mondal that the Ministry would devise a mutually beneficial framework for both Meghalaya and Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). The Union Minister also suggested that Meghalaya explore the potential for establishing Solar Power Plants.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s significant hydropower potential, Mondal requested the Union government’s support in developing small hydro power plants. The matter was discussed extensively, and the Union Minister directed ministry officials to formulate the necessary modalities.
On the crucial aspect of resource adequacy, Mondal informed that while Meghalaya is committed to ensuring uninterrupted power supply, the state has raised observations regarding the Final Resource Adequacy Plan prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). A response from the CEA is currently awaited. The Union Minister pledged swift action on this matter.
Furthermore, Mondal urgently appealed for the introduction of a scheme similar to the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) to bolster Meghalaya’s transmission capacity. He stressed that strengthening the transmission infrastructure is vital to cater to future load growth in the state.
On a positive note, the state power minister highlighted the significant strides made in Meghalaya’s power sector over the past five years.
He reported a steady improvement in the billing and collection efficiency of MePDCL, along with a substantial reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses from 32% in 2019 to 17% in 2024.
The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to the Union Power Ministry for approving additional household electrification projects, the work for which is slated to commence soon.
Union Minister Manohar Lal, in his address, underlined the importance of a future-ready, modern, and financially viable power sector to fuel the country’s growth on its journey towards becoming a developed nation.
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He emphasized the importance of power in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. He further remarked that the regional conference would help in identifying specific challenges and solutions in respect of power sector of the Northeastern states.
