SHILLONG:
The load-shedding that is currently looming large over the state will be lifted within a week, the government, on June 28, said.
“I am sure that within a week’s time, we will be able to lift the load shedding. We are also trying to minimise the inconveniences caused to the consumers. Therefore, according to feedback, we are working to lift the load-shedding,” said Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Power Prestone Tynsong.
He also informed that three units belonging to Leshka Project and Umtrew Stage I and II have broken down and repair work is going on. “We are hopeful that we will be able to make all of them functional within a week’s time,” he added.
Tynsong added that the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) has also reduced the supply of power to Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) due to some technical problems and that has added an extra burden on the MeECL. “The department is in touch with NEEPCO for early restoration of power supply,” he said.
Tynsong, who recently reviewed the power scenario in the state, added that he has already instructed MeECL to tackle the power crisis and the corporation is on the job.
“We have already instructed the MeECL to make sure that imposition of load shedding should not be more than two hours so that the normal functioning of each and every household is not affected,” said the minister in-charge Power.
He, however, admitted that the crisis is something that is “beyond the government’s control”. “The current shortage of power in the state is about 122 megawatts and that is not a joke,” said the deputy chief minister.
According to him, the MeECL has been issuing shut down notices if there will be long hours of load-shedding and major repairing works.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) has scheduled the timing of load-shedding for station wise with effect from June 29.