Issues and challenges of power supply discussed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, June 09 2012:
The various issues and challenges faced in power supply management in Manipur were highlighted in a programme organized by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram in association with Senior Citizens for Society, Manipur and All Manipur Working Journalists' Union at Manipur Press Club on Saturday.
According to the Power Department of Manipur, the aggregate technical and commercial losses mainly due to rampant theft of energy in the form of unauthorized connections or tampering and by-passing of meters by the consumers is a major issue facing the department.
Other challenges facing the power department are frequent break down of power supply due to outdated transformers and distribution networks still being used.
Moreover, the gap between demand and supply specially during the winter when the demand of power supply is at its maximum and the availability of power from the Central Hydro Electric projects are minimum.
The problems of shortage of manpower, the existing interstate 132 KV lines which are not sufficient to cater to the total allocated share of the state which is about 132.57 MW, and the lack of sufficient fund for implementation of projects/schemes in power generation sector were also highlighted during the programme.