An independent inquiry committee has identified significant shortcomings in Meghalaya’s power sector, as reported by The Shillong Times. The committee, led by retired Justice RN Mishra, submitted its findings in March 2022, but the report was made public only recently on November 10.
The investigation revealed critical issues related to procurement practices, Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, and human resource management, some of which stem from the unbundling of the Meghalaya State Electricity Board in 2013. A primary concern is the Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Ltd (MePGCL) and its failure to effectively plan, design, and implement hydroelectric projects. This inefficiency has resulted in significant delays and cost overruns on projects such as Leshka and Ganol, limiting their potential benefits.
The report underscores that fully harnessing Meghalaya’s hydroelectric capabilities could transform the state into a power surplus region, potentially allowing electricity exports to Bangladesh. However, it also highlights that AT&C losses in the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MePDCL) currently hover around 32%, exceeding the Ministry of Power’s target of 22.3%. While the Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) has successfully reduced losses in Shillong and Tura to single digits, experts warn that the overall figure remains unsustainable given anticipated growth in power demand.
Structural issues within MePGCL, MePTCL (Transmission), and MePDCL (Distribution) hinder their operations, as they often function as a single entity in several areas. Shared human resources, financial management, and material handling under a unified board for Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeECL) limit the development of specialized expertise in generation, transmission, and distribution.
To tackle these problems, the committee has recommended granting true functional autonomy to each subsidiary, establishing independent boards and financial powers, creating specialized workforces, and implementing targeted training and recruitment. Moreover, it called for the creation of an effective IT department and the integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to enhance operational efficiency and ensure transparent procurement processes.
While acknowledging MeECL’s achievements in electrifying remote villages, the committee stressed the importance of addressing longstanding issues to ensure the long-term stability and growth of Meghalaya’s power sector. The state government now faces the critical task of implementing these recommendations to secure a sustainable energy future.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/meghalaya/inquiry-report-exposes-failings-in-meghalayas-power-sector-urges-overhaul-of-meecl.html
Category: Meghalaya,Northeast News,Top News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-11-16 09:42:00
