100 MW electricity sought from Farakka Thermal Power plant
MSPDCL awaits Cabinet approval
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, August 11 2026: To meet growing power demand and reduce Manipur's dependence on seasonal hydropower generation, the MSPDCL has sought a Cabinet approval for allocation of 100 MW electricity from the NTPC Farakka Super Thermal Power Project, said the company's Managing Director M Rabi Singh.

The Managing Director of the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) was outlining a series of measures to address the State's growing power need at the 11th edition of the "Meet the Press" programme when he made the statement.

The State's power demand is growing and the gap between demand and supply is increasing, Rabi said.

100 MW electricity sought from Farakka Thermal Power plant :: Pix - DIPR

Manipur has a long-term allocated power capacity of 291.69 MW, but actual power availability dropped to around 160-170 MW during June and July 2026.During the same period, peak demand reached around 260 MW, an increase of nearly 20 MW compared to the previous year, he said.

Explaining the reasons behind the present pressure on power availability, he attributed the situation mainly to the delayed monsoon, prolonged dry spells and reduced generation from run-of-the-river hydropower projects in the North East.

Since a significant portion of Manipur's power supply is linked to hydroelectric generation, changes in rainfall and water availability directly affect the amount of electricity available to the State, he said.

Rabi said the situation could become more challenging during the winter months when hydropower generation generally declines.

With the demand projected to reach 300-310 MW, the State could face a potential deficit of around 140-150 MW during the lean season unless additional power is arranged, he said.

To cushion the anticipated winter shortage, MSPDCL has secured return-energy banking arrangements of up to 50-66 MW during daily peak hours from December 2026 to March 2027 .

Rabi explained that the arrangement would allow the State to draw additional power during periods of peak requirement and return equivalent energy when its power position improves.

Looking for a more stable source of power, he said MSPDCL has sought Cabinet approval to approach the authorities concerned for a firm allocation of 100 MW from the NTPC Farakka Super Thermal Power Project, covering Stage I and II, at a tariff of Rs 4.14 per unit.

This proposed allocation would help bridge the continuous power deficit and reduce Manipur's dependence on seasonal hydropower generation, he said.

On smart meters, Rabi said it has emerged as an important component of the State's power-sector reform programme.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) programme, conventional electricity meters are being replaced with smart prepaid meters.

Around 68,400 smart meters have already been installed so far, he said.

Rabi said the smart-metering programme is expected to be completed by September 2027 .

Rabi further stated that the MSPDCL is implementing the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana as the State Nodal Agency, with a target to bring 18,000 consumers under rooftop solar by March 2027 .

Under the rooftop solar scheme, Central Financial Assistance of Rs 33,000 is provided for a 1-kW system and Rs 66,000 for a 2-kW system, while systems of 3 kW or above are eligible for assistance of Rs 85,800, subject to applicable guidelines, he said.

While the MSPDCL has received 3,395 applications representing a proposed capacity of 11.6 MWp, around 1,640 residential rooftop solar systems have been installed with a combined capacity of 6.193 MWp, he added.

On the revised electricity tariff, Rabi said, for domestic consumers, the charge for the first 100 units per month has increased from Rs 5.10 to Rs 5.36 per unit, while the rate for the next 100 units has risen from Rs 5.95 to Rs 6.25 per unit.

Consumption above 200 units will now attract Rs 7.10 per unit, compared with Rs 6.75 earlier.

For commercial consumers, the revised energy charges stand at Rs 7.07 per unit for the first 100 units, Rs 7.85 for the next 100 units and Rs 8.30 for consumption above 200 units.

Th Satyajeet Singh, Manager (MSPDCL), A Chingkheinganba, Manager (AMISP), Yumnam Dayanta, DGM (Projects/MSPDCL), Chandramani GM (Planning) and N Purnima, Manager (MSPDCL) were present at the programme, organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) .