MePDCL procures 1,690 transformers in past 5 years
Shillong, Feb 24: The state has doubled its capacity to repair distribution transformers (DTR) from 480 to 860 per year with an additional investment of Rs 2 crore.
Informing this in the assembly on Tuesday, Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said, “The replacement percent of transformers against total failures in the past five years shows significant progress, with 87% in 2021-22, 106% in 2022-23, 96% in 2023-24, 99% in 2024-25, and 96% till date in 2025-26.”
Highlighting MePDCL’s efforts to maintain transformer quality, he said the entity ensures quality checks at various stages, including factory inspection, empanelment of vendors, and testing at central stores.
“The quality control of transformers procured by MePDCL is ensured through robust checks, including insulation tests, routine tests, and type test reports,” Lyngdoh added.
The minister highlighted plans for a NABL Laboratory for testing equipment, including transformers, a first in the North Eastern Region.
“The warranty of distribution transformers is 1 year, with negligible failures during this period, mostly due to aging or overloading,” he said.
Transformer failure rates are comparable to the national average, at 5.32%, 5.30%, 6.22%, 6.75%, and 4.78% in the past five years.
“All efforts are being made for timely replacement of failed transformers, maintaining buffer stocks at central stores and repair workshops,” Lyngdoh assured.
Meanwhile, the MePDCL has procured 1,690 transformers in the past 5 years.
“The numbers are 221 in 2021-22, 484 in 2022-23, 405 in 2023-24, 419 in 2024-25, and 161 so far in the current financial year,” Lyngdoh said.
Additionally, MePDCL has installed 3,447 transformers under various schemes, including IPDS (53), DDUGJY (998), SAUBHAGYA (1410), and RDSS (986).
These efforts aim to enhance the state’s power distribution infrastructure and improve reliability.
