Signed several MoUs, not a single pvt power project took off: Meghalaya Power Min

NEEPCO which has signed an MoU for the implementation of a 500-megawatt thermal power project in the state also withdraws the project

As Meghalaya continues to face severe power outages due to the withdrawal of several independent agencies from the implementation of power projects in the state, State Power Minister AT Mondal said that the state government has signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with independent agencies, but not a single power project took off till date and even many MoUs have been cancelled.

Speaking to media at his office, Minister AT Mondal has informed that the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO), which has signed an MoU for the implementation of a 500-megawatt thermal power project in the state has also conveyed its decision not to continue with the project.

“NEEPCO communicated its intention to terminate the thermal power project, highlighting a shift in focus towards exclusively green and clean energy endeavours.

He said that the matter was taken up with the Chief Managing Director (CMD)of NEEPCO in New Delhi.

Minister Mondal said that another company named DS Group had signed an MoU for a thermal power project but there is no communication from the company’s end.

Stating that the state government is mostly focused on hydel power projects and not thermal projects, the Minister maintained that hydel power projects have various advantages.

Speaking on the Kynshi Hydel Project, Minister Mondal said that the government will scrap the old MoU as the independent party has come up with a new model which according to them is more viable.

The Power Minister said that no penalties were levied by the State government against these independent agencies.

Besides Umiam, other hydro projects in the state are run-of-the-river projects and they operate at full capacity during the rainy season.

The state can produce up to 5 million units of power on some good days but only around 1 million units on less productive days.

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