Th Biswajit inaugurates gas insulated power sub-station at Thongju
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, September 27 2021: Power Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today inaugurated the first of its kind 2x10 MVA, 33/11 KV Gas Insulated Sub-Station (GIS) at Thongju Part II under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) .

Addressing the inaugural function of the sub-station as the chief guest, Biswajit expressed his gratitude to the staff and officials of both Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) and the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) for their tireless efforts to improve power supply quality in the State.

He said that the inauguration of the first of its kind GIS sub-station in the State is also an achievement of the companies.

He continued that would will also help in ensuring reliable and quality power supply in the area.

Stating that this GIS sub-station has several advantages over the conventional sub-stations, the Power Minister said that the newly inaugurated sub-station requires around only 10 per cent space of a conventional sub-station.

It would also protect from pollution, reduce switching over voltages and maintenance free.

Th Biswajit inaugurates gas insulated power sub-station at Thongju

The GIS sub-station has also other advantages over the conventional AIS as it will increase safety, ensure low gas pressure, superior arc interruption, among others.

Biswajit continued that the State has managed to reduce the ATC losses of the State to 20.27 percent against the State's own target of 21 percent.

He said the ATC was as high as 45 per cent in the past.

He continued that the State is further targeting to bring it down to 12-15 per cent by 2023-24 .

Meanwhile, speaking on the Government and the department's effort to tap the huge natural resources lying unused in the State, the Minister said that sites for 29 mini hydro power projects have been identified.

He continued that "We cannot bring development to the State without utilizing our huge natural resources".

Biswajit, who is also in-charge of Trade, Commerce and Industries appealed to the people to promote local merchandise and utilise handloom products.

He said that if the people of the State utilise even one item of 'our handloom products each, we can improve the livelihood of the State's artisans'.

He said that Manipur is today witnessing industrial growth for which reliable and quality power supply is much needed.

Deputy Chairman Manipur Planning Board and Keirao A/C MLA L Rameshwor Meetei lauded the staff and officials of the two companies for their untiring efforts.

Emphasizing on the importance of quality power supply in the industrialization of a society, the MLA said that the improvement in power supply witnessed in the State over the past few years has helped the youth of the State in their small scale business endeavours.

He said due to the ongoing pandemic, many of the youth who were working outside have returned to the State.

These youth are now opening small scale businesses like poultry farming, fish farming etc.

Commissioner Power K Raghumani said that the power sector has witnessed a great change-over the past three years in the State.

Today, people are enjoying 24x7 uninterrupted power supply, he claimed.

The company is also collecting more revenue with the installation of the prepaid meters There are a total of 5.02 lakh power consumers in the State now, out of which 3.34 lakh prepaid meters have already been installed and activated, he said adding that "due to the improvement in power supply we are witnessing an industrial growth in the State".

He continued that under the Government's SAUBHAGYA scheme, electrification of rural areas had been undertaken.

The GIS at Thongju Part II, Imphal will cater the power requirement of the surrounding villages of Thongju Part I/II, Kyamgei, Pheijaleitong, Koirou, Ningomthong, Kha Naorem Leikai, Canchipur, Langthabal Kunja, Bashikhong etc, with good quality and reliable power and loading pressure on the nearby 33/11 KV sub-station at Kakwa, Monsangei and Kongba will be reduced extensively.

It can also serve as an alternate source of power for Manipur University in case of exigency.

Today's inaugural function was also attended MSPDCL MD Ng Subhachandra, officials of Power Grid, MSPDCL and MSPCL, among others.