Union Minister RK Singh: NE power system has developed tremendously

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Union Minister for Power RK Singh said that the power sector witnessed tremendous growth in the generation, transmission and distribution in the Northeast over the past few years to give a 24×7 power supply to every household.

Union Minister RK Singh reviewed the power scenario in the region on Friday with the power ministers and officers concerned of the north-eastern states here. The meeting discussed the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.

Singh said, "Power is the key to development. A country cannot develop until it has a seamless power supply. Power is the most crucial element when it comes to industries."

According to the minister, the average power availability in the country, including the Northeast, is 21 hours per day in rural areas and 23 hours in urban areas.

The minister said that in the past three-four years, the power system in the Northeast developed tremendously. "Almost all states in the region have managed to revamp their power system. Today the power system in the Northeast is very different from what it was four years back," he added.

Singh said, "The Revamped Distribution Scheme will help to reduce the power losses. The increasing electricity demand has necessitated the strengthening and modernization of the distribution infrastructure. Implementation of the scheme will lead to consumer empowerment by way of prepaid smart metering. The scheme provides financial support for Prepaid Smart Metering & System Metering and up-gradation of the distribution Infrastructure."

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "The State government has taken all steps to develop the power sector in the state. Every month I go to the APDCL office and monitor the implementation of various schemes. The revenue earning of the power sector in the state is in a comfortable position now. Various departments are now paying their dues regularly. In the days ahead, Assam will be a state to reckon with in the power sector."

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