Meghalaya Advocates for Enhanced Pump Storage Projects at Regional Power Conference

At the recent Regional Power Ministers' Conference held in Gangtok, Meghalaya’s Power Minister AT Mondal effectively raised the state’s concerns regarding the proposed modalities for Pump Storage Projects (PSPs). In his address, Mondal voiced concerns about the unfavorable terms laid out by the Ministry of Power and National Power Transmission Corporation (NPTC) in relation to these projects. He argued that the state of Meghalaya should be entitled to the same kind of benefits that other states receive from conventional hydropower projects. Despite previous attempts to address these concerns, the state had not received any meaningful response, which prompted the Minister to call for a more equitable arrangement.

In response, the Union Power Minister assured the conference that new and more favorable modalities would be formulated to ensure that the interests of both the state and the Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) are met. The Union Minister also urged Meghalaya to explore alternative sources of power generation, particularly focusing on solar energy. This recommendation came as part of a broader encouragement for the state to diversify its energy mix and increase its renewable energy contributions.

During his address, Mondal highlighted the vast hydropower potential that Meghalaya possesses, stressing that the state’s contribution to the national energy grid could be much more significant if adequate support and resources were provided by the central government. He also requested assistance in developing small hydropower plants across the state to fully harness this potential. Following this request, officials from the Ministry of Power were directed to assess the situation and formulate appropriate support mechanisms that would aid in the development of small-scale hydropower plants, which could significantly contribute to the local and national energy supply.

A key issue raised by the Power Minister was the final Resource Adequacy Plan, which was prepared by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). While Meghalaya is committed to ensuring that it has the resources necessary to prevent potential load losses, Mondal pointed out that the final version of the plan did not adequately address the specific needs and concerns of the state. He requested that swift action be taken to amend the plan to better reflect Meghalaya’s power requirements. The Union Minister assured that the matter would be addressed promptly.

Another important issue discussed was the need to enhance the state’s transmission capacity. Mondal requested the extension of initiatives similar to the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP), which was designed to improve the transmission network in the northeastern states. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the region’s transmission infrastructure to accommodate future load growth and ensure that power supply remains stable and reliable in the years to come.

In addition to these concerns, Mondal provided an overview of the significant progress that Meghalaya has made in the power sector over the past five years. He highlighted improvements in billing and collection systems, which have contributed to better financial health for the state’s power utilities. Additionally, the state has successfully reduced its Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses, which have dropped from a high of 32 percent in 2019 to an impressive 17 percent in 2024. This reduction demonstrates the state’s efforts to improve efficiency and reduce losses within its power sector, marking a positive trend in its overall energy management.

In conclusion, the Regional Power Ministers' Conference served as an important platform for Meghalaya to voice its concerns and push for greater support from the central government. Minister Mondal’s advocacy for better terms for hydropower development, enhanced transmission capacity, and support for small-scale renewable energy projects reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring a more sustainable and efficient power sector for its people.