NEEPCO withdraws power regulation in the state

Announcing this decision, Power Minister James K Sangma also declared that there will be no more load shedding from Tuesday.

This also came a day after the United Democratic Party (UDP), the main ally of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, demanded the immediate removal of the incumbent power minister for alleged “mismanagement” leading to unprecedented power shutdown in the state.

“I’m happy to inform that due to concerted efforts of Power Dept., CMD (MeECL) & constant support & guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister @SangmaConrad, NEEPCO has withdrawn Power regulation today. No more load shedding from 2 PM onwards,” Sangma said on his social media handle.

The decision was taken after Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) has paid an amount of Rs 127.53 crore of Rs 504.41  crore to NEEPCO on March 19, towards partial liquidation of the outstanding dues.

On Monday, the MePCL vide e-mail has also given a commitment to pay the amount due and payable to NEEPCO in three equal instalments on or before April 30, May 31 and June 30 on best effort basis.

The NEEPCO in its letter to the Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) however maintained that further course of action by NEEPCO will be guided by the outcome of the updates on the steps taken by the MeECL.

“In consideration of your assurances for payment of the balance dues in three equal instalments in April, May and June, the regulation notice issued vide our No NEEPCO/ED/COMML/R-16/1746 dated 16.3.2021 is being withdrawn with effect from 14:00 hrs of March 23,” NEEPCO Executive Director (Commercial) NK Mao said in the letter.

“However, NEEPCO will regularly update itself regarding the specific steps taken by MeECL towards lodging of disbursal request with REC/PFC for second tranche of loan including fulfillment of enabling pre-conditionalities for disbursement to avert eleventh hour financial crisis in NEEPCO that may hamper its operations. Further course of action by NEEPCO will be guided by the outcome of such updates,” he added.

Meanwhile, the NEEPCO has accordingly requested the Executive Director, North Eastern Regional Load Despatch Centre, Power System Operation Corporation Limited to withdraw the regulation with effect from 14:00 hrs of Tuesday.

“Further, it is confirmed that MePDCL’s share from NEEPCO power stations from 14:00 hrs 23.3.2021 onwards has not been sold on any platform and may be scheduled to MePDCL accordingly,” it said.

By Our Reporter