Self generating power policy on the card
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 25 2014: Taking serious note of the chronic problem of power shortage, the State Government has started formulating a new policy which would enable power con-sumers to generate power and share excess power with other consumers.

Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of Power portfolio took up this initiative in line with a Central Government scheme in order to generate more renewable energy using roof- top solar plants and reduce consumers' burden of paying power bills, informed an official source.

The new policy is being drafted by the Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) and it has already sought comments of different relevant departments.

The new policy which is in the final stage of formulation would be implemented with due approval of the State Government.

A model of a roof-top solar plant

As per the assessment report of the National Institute of Solar Energy, Manipur has the potential to generate 10630 MW from sunlight.

This figure is the cumulative power generation potentials of private consumers, Government institutions, offices and public buildings.

Solar power generated by solar plants installed on roof-tops of private houses would be connected to power grids.

The new policy would allow power consumers to pay bills after deducting the monetary value of the solar power generated at their homes.

The new policy would also ensure that consumers have access to regular power supply apart from enabling them to generate excess power.

Against the total money needed for installation of solar plants on roof-tops of private houses, 30 per cent would be given as subsidy.

For installation of solar plants on Government buildings, offices, institutions and public buildings, 70 per cent of the requisite fund would be given as subsidy.

The Government has been working hard to finalize and implement the policy which is environment friendly and pollution free, informed the official.