Shillong, July 15: Power minister Abu Taher Mondal has denied to predict load-shedding due to the current deficit rainfall, saying it’s too early to say for sure that this trend of monsoon would not change for better in the whole rainy season.
However, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the power minister expressed concern over the below normal water level of Umiam reservoir, a major source of power of the state.
“Less water in the reservoir will definitely impact power generation. We wish that water will come up soon to fill the reservoir,” he said.
Assuring that the current water level in Umiam lake is not worrying, the minister said, “I don’t know how long monsoon will elude us.”
However, it’s too early to predict if the situation will lead to imposition of load-shedding, he said.
Asked if lack of rainfall has affected other power projects, including Leshka, Mondal said power generation is definitely affected when rainfall is less.
Citing an instance of Ganol power plant, he said the 22.5 MW plant exceeded its capacity and produced 24 MW when pre-monsoon rains hit the region.
It was the time when massive floating garbage in Ganol river dam made headlines.
He also mentioned about other sources of power such as energy exchange route that enables sell and purchase of power.
To a question, the power minister said the state’s power dues to central utilities such as North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) and Powergrid have been neutralised.
However, the government is making efforts to repay outstanding Rs 664 crore, accumulated over the years, to National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) by 2027, he said.
