Workshop on Power Supply Management kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 09 2012:
A two-day State level seminar on the "Issues and Challenges in the Power Supply Management in Manipur" was opened today at Manipur Press Club here.
The workshop is being jointly organised by the Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union under the sponsorship of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram (JERCMM) and Electricity Department, Government of Manipur.
The inaugural session of the workshop was graced by former Vice Chancellor of Manipur University Prof IS Khaidem, Senior Citizens for Society president N Binoy and AMWJU president A Mobi as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the inaugural session, JERCMM Chief Engineer N Shyamsunder said that the JERCMM was established in 2009 with the primary objective of balancing the diverse interests of all stakeholders.
He emphasised that consumers should get power adequately both in terms of quality and quantity.
Likewise, the service provider should be paid fittingly according to the service it is providing.
Shyamsunder said that the workshop was being organised following a proposal put up by the power advisory committee to organise an open discussion programme on the problems and possible solutions of the power problems in Manipur.
Saying that the pace of reforms in power sector is rather slow in Manipur, Shyamsunder informed that one can purchase power from three sources��own generation, Central Sector power generating stations and capital market.
Whereas the average daily power requirement of the State is 200 MW, the State is receiving only 80 MW to 100 MW.
In his speech, Prof IS Khaidem insisted on regularity even if the Electricity Department cannot provide power supply longer four/five hours in a day.
N Binoy questioned why should Manipur remain merged with India if the Government of India cannot arrange power for the people of Manipur.
Later during the technical session, Power Department's Additional Chief Engineer L Priyokumar presented a paper on "Issues and Challenges in Power Supply Management in Manipur" which was moderated by Imphal Free Press Resident Editor Irengbam Arun.
Sanasam Chaoba presented a paper on "Consumers' Expectation and Grievances".
The day's programme culminated with an interaction session.