State receives 135 MW against requirement of 150-200 MW
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 01 2025: Manipur is unable to meet its daily power needs due to a fall in the generation of power from hydroelectric projects in the North East, said a highly placed source in the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) .

While the State is unable to meet its daily power needs, the situation hasn't improved but deteriorated, said the source.

The power production from hydroelectric projects in the North East region has fallen.

But, there are other factors too which have worsened Manipur's power sector, stressed the source.

The official source identified "huge amounts of unpaid bills" of consumers, Government departments and PSU entities as the other reasons for Manipur's failing power sector.

The outstanding bill (due) has reached Rs 200 crore, said the official.

In a month, the State procures Rs 55 crore-Rs 60 crore worth of power, while the collection of tax is between Rs 30 crore and Rs 35 crore only.

The State requires a minimum of 150 MW of power in the morning and afternoon and around 200 MW in the evening/night during a day.

However, at present the State is receiving only 135 MW of power daily from the PowerGrid.

The official further explained that in actuality, the State is procuring only 110 MW of power from the PowerGrid, and the other 25 MW is a payback for the excess power it generated during the previous rainy season.

While the State's power allocation has been reduced due to fallen energy generation from the hydroelectric projects, the State is unable to procure energy from thermal power plants to meet its needs due to its high cost, said official.

In addition to these issues, the power distribution company is also facing difficulties in improving the distribution system which was disrupted by floods last year.

It is facing a mammoth task of repairing transformers, added the official.

The State's current economic situation may be one of the reasons for consumers not paying their unpaid bills/taxes, but there have been reports of many consumers bypassing the metered connection and using power illegally, said the official.

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