Shillong, Nov 13: The “discovered cost” in installation of smart electric meters under the Centre’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is much higher than the sanctioned cost in the state.
This was apprised by state power minister AT Mondal to union power minister Mohan Lal during a conference of power ministers in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Raising the issue regarding implementation of Smart Meter Scheme under RDSS, Modal requested the union minister to increase the subsidy amount per meter.
Otherwise, the burden of additional cost would either be passed on to the consumer or would be borne by the power utility, he said.
“This impact will defeat the overall purpose of the scheme,” Mondal pointed out.
He, however, mentioned that the amount discovered is almost on par with other states in the North East.
The conference of power ministers was convened to discuss various issues related to progress of RDSS, implementation of rights of consumer rules, PM Har Ghar Saurya Yojna, resource adequacy, development of pumped storage projects, etc.
Regarding development of pumped storage projects in Meghalaya, Mondal informed that the state has received the proposal for development of pumped storage projects with a cumulative capacity of 4800 MW.
Since the tariff of these projects is likely to be very high he requested the power ministry to consider some kind of benefits in terms of free power to the state.
On renewable energy, he said DPRs of several small hydro projects have been completed and the work could be started immediately.
Citing lack of funds to start the projects, he urged the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to consider resumption of the central financial assistance of ₹7.5 crore/ MW for development of small hydro project so that smaller states like Meghalaya can benefit from it.
Meanwhile, Secretary MNRE informed a meeting would be held at Shillong on 27 and 28 November to discuss issues related to the North East.
The power ministers’ conference was also attended by the CMDs of NTPC, NEEPCO, PGCIL and SJVNL, Secretary Ministry of Power, Secretary MNRE, Chairman CEA and CMD REC and PFC.
