Chairman-cum-Managing-Director (CMD) of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) Arunkumar Kembhavi today rebutted reports that MeECL is generating only 60 MW of electricity and incurring losses of Rs. 50 crore due to mismanagement in generation.
According to Kembhavi, the MeECL owns hydro power plants only and generation of power from these hydro power plants is dependent on the rainfall and the water levels.
“It is a common knowledge that this year till now Meghalaya has experienced not only delayed monsoon but lesser rainfall as compared to the past,” Kembhavi said.
He also said that not just MeECL but even NEEPCO hydro power plants in the North East are suffering because of the deficit monsoon this year.
Kembhavi pointed out that out of a total allocation of 147 MW of power, NEEPCO is supplying an average of 90 MW to Meghalaya daily.
However, he said that because of better planning and strategy, MeECL has generated an average of 150 MW (approx) from State owned plants in the month of June 2021 and has sold almost 19.5 million units of energy after ensuring 24 hours supply throughout the State.
“In fact, the Myntdu-Leshka power project itself has been clocking the full capacity of 126 MW when the rainfall in the catchment area is good. Sometimes the MePGCL generation has been kept intentionally low to manage the water level at reservoirs when the market rate or the sale price is not that lucrative. If we compare the generation from past years, it is observed that in the past also the generation in the month of June was almost the same except in the year 2020,” the MeECL chief said.
He also informed that in 2020, Meghalaya received exceptionally good rainfall.
According to Kembhavi, while the North East is experiencing weak monsoon, Bihar has had 176 per cent above normal rainfall this year indicating signs of climate change.
“It may also be appreciated that MeECL is generating optimal power with a strategy to maximise the revenue for the Corporation. This is evident from the fact that when the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) average rate for the month of June 2021 is just Rs. 2.95 per unit, MePDCL sold its surplus power at an average rate of Rs. 3.34 per unit which shows scientific planning and efficient energy management. Whereas in the past MeECL has sold surplus power for as low as 10 paise per unit,” Kembhavi added.
