NEW DELHI, AUG 25:
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein on Tuesday sought continued financial support from the Centre to strengthen and modernise the power infrastructure in the Northeast, while pressing for the early development of key transmission projects in the state to meet its growing hydropower potential.
Mein raised the issues during a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, along with power ministers from other northeastern states and North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) chairman and Meghalaya Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh in New Delhi, officials said.
Through the NERPC, the northeastern states sought the Ministry of Power’s continued financial support for critical system-strengthening and modernisation works, including the implementation of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Energy Management Systems (SCADA/EMS) and Emergency Restoration Systems (ERS).
The proposed interventions are crucial for improving grid reliability, security and resilience across the region, Mein said.
“A stronger power network will be the foundation for the Northeast’s next phase of growth, connectivity and development,” he said.
The NERPC, a regional body under the Union Ministry of Power, brings together power-sector stakeholders from the northeastern states to coordinate regional grid operations and address issues concerning the development and strengthening of the power system.
During the meeting, Mein also flagged Arunachal Pradesh’s key power-sector priorities, including the proposed 132/33 kV substation at Kimin along with associated Loop In-Loop Out (LILO) transmission lines.
He said the project was critical for addressing voltage fluctuations and power outages in Kimin and adjoining areas, which are currently affected by the limitations of the existing long 33 kV feeder.
Mein, who also holds the power and hydropower portfolios, also drew attention to Arunachal Pradesh’s growing hydropower potential and the state’s pipeline of upcoming power projects, saying these developments necessitate timely upgradation and strengthening of the transmission network.
The augmentation of transmission infrastructure would be essential for efficient evacuation of electricity from the upcoming generating stations and for maintaining a reliable and secure power grid, the deputy chief minister said.
Mein added that a robust transmission and grid network would be crucial as the northeastern region moves towards a new phase of infrastructure-led growth and increased energy generation. (Source: PTI)
