Shillong: Gangtok witnessed a robust advocacy for Meghalaya’s power sector interests as Power Minister AT Mondal articulated the state’s position during the Regional Power Ministers’ Conference. A key point of contention revolved around the proposed modalities for Pump Storage Projects (PSPs), which Mondal asserted were currently structured in a manner disadvantageous to Meghalaya.
Minister Mondal underscored the need for Meghalaya to receive benefits from PSPs on par with those derived from conventional hydroelectric power projects. He noted with concern that despite previous efforts to communicate these issues to the relevant authorities, no response had been forthcoming.
In a positive development, the Union Power Minister present at the conference assured that new modalities would be devised, aiming to create a mutually beneficial framework for both Meghalaya and the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). Furthermore, the state was encouraged to actively pursue the development of its solar power potential.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s considerable untapped hydropower resources, Minister Mondal appealed to the central government for support in the development of small hydropower plants within the state. These discussions led to a directive for ministry officials to formulate suitable support mechanisms to facilitate this growth.
Addressing the critical aspect of resource adequacy planning, Mondal affirmed Meghalaya’s commitment to ensuring a stable power supply and preventing load losses. However, he also conveyed the state’s reservations regarding the final Resource Adequacy Plan prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), prompting a promise of swift action from the Union Minister to address these concerns.
Looking towards future infrastructure needs, Minister Mondal made a strong case for the extension of schemes akin to the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP). The objective is to bolster Meghalaya’s transmission capacity in anticipation of projected load growth in the years to come.
In a concluding note, Minister Mondal presented a positive overview of the significant advancements within Meghalaya’s power sector over the preceding five years. Impressive strides have been made in improving billing and collection efficiency, coupled with a substantial reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, which have decreased from 32 per cent in 2019 to an encouraging 17 per cent in 2024.
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