‘Collection of power bills improved compared to previous years’
Shillong, Aug 29: A long-pending problem of power disruptions in Ri-Bhoi district is going to end soon with the state government giving its go ahead to a construction of a 132KV substation in the district.
“We have sanctioned 132KV sub-station which will lead to a very highly reliable power supply in Ri-Bhoi district,” said Commissioner & Secretary in-charge power department Sanjay Goyal on Friday.
He made it clear that the district is not facing any power shortage, but a reliability problem due to a long transmission line (almost 40 km) from Umiam to Nongpoh,
The official expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Power department for approving the project.
On the issue of pending bills, Goyal said collecting energy bills from consumers is a challenge. However, the department is working to improve collection efficiency and has introduced online payment platforms, including Google Pay.
He urged consumers to pay their bills regularly, emphasizing that timely payments are essential for maintaining an efficient supply stream.
Further, Goyal announced that the department plans to incentivize consumers who pay their bills regularly through online modes.
According to him, the collection efficiency has improved compared to previous years and is expected to further improve in the coming years.
Goyal announced that the department is revising its scheme for waiving delayed payment surcharges. A new scheme with additional benefits to consumers will be introduced soon.
Meanwhile, the official said the department’s progress on tasks assigned during the first cabinet retreat was presented during the second cabinet retreat.
These tasks included exploring thermal and hydro options, involving private players, and improving performance.
“The cabinet has noted down the tasks which have been given to us and their progress and we will take it forward wherever things that are not been closed as per the task given,” he stated.
