Power Minister AT Mondal today claimed that the power scenario in Meghalaya has improved in comparison to previous years.
Acknowledging that the Power Department and the state-owned utilities face financial constraints, Mondal expressed positivity that the power sector can be revived.
“I am positive and that’s why we are working on it. There have been significant improvements compared to the past year,” he said.
A lot of the financial strain is caused by the need to purchase electricity on the open market as Meghalaya cannot generate enough to meet its needs year-round nor cover its requirements through its share of central projects. “If these amounts weren’t required for power, we could have invested in infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools,” Mondal stated.
Other issues include paying off loans, outstanding dues of consumers and losses in the distribution system.
Asked about the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (CAG) report, which identified significant losses within the power sector, the minister acknowledged the difficulties but was hopeful that it will improve.
Unlike other loss-making public sector units (PSUs), the power companies cannot simply be shut down due to their financial losses because without them Meghalaya would not have any electricity at all.
“We are working on it but it is not an easy thing. Even in other states, there are similar situations. Distribution losses due to inefficiencies in transmission and distribution as well as outstanding dues from consumers are major concerns. We are trying to minimise losses and increase efficiency, which will indirectly benefit consumers,” Mondal stated.
Furthermore , Mondal also highlighted the resilience of the sector, pointing to the quick restoration of transmission lines after Cyclone Remal damaged them. “We restored the lines quickly and competently, even employing additional manpower. This year, fortunately, we haven’t had a single minute of load shedding. Any power disruptions have been due to necessary maintenance work,” he explained.
On the issue of staffing, Mondal clarified that there are no immediate plans to downsize, despite financial constraints. “There has been no decision to reduce staff. In fact, we need more engineers and personnel, but financial limitations prevent us from hiring. With the implementation of smart meters, some meter readers may no longer be required, but we are cautiously working on a solution,” he added.
The implementation of smart meters remains a priority, despite previous resistance from consumers. Mondal emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “Smart meters are not something MeECL is forcing on consumers. They are mandated by the Union Ministry of Power. Without them, it will be difficult to monitor energy consumption and prevent leakages. We are moving forward with this, but it will take time.”
