Meghalaya reeling under severe power crisis, people to be encouraged to use prepaid meter

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Power Minister James K Sangma has said that the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) will encourage people to used prepaid meter and smart meter to reduce energy loses. The Power Minister told media persons, “From the Power department, we will encourage this system.”

Meghalaya used to supply power to Assam and other neighbouring States. Now the State itself is reeling under a severe power shortage. Different parts of the State undergo load shedding for at least one hour during the daytime and about three to four hours at night. When asked on the thermal power plan in the State, he said that “at present it is not feasible since there is a ban on coal mining in Meghalaya. Hence, the idea of having thermal power in Meghalaya at this juncture is not viable.”

Sangma added, “The MeECL owes over Rs. 600 crore to the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). Due to pending dues, NEEPCO has regulated power supply to the State.”

Also read: Meghalaya news