The northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh was told to expedite projects under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), during a high-level review meeting at the state’s capital Itangar, on July 8, 2024.
Union Power minister Manoharlal Khattar chaired the review meeting that was attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, Dy. Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, Union Secretary (Power), Pankaj Agarwal, and Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh.
Power distribution
On the power distribution front, the Union power minister advised for expeditious implementation of works sanctioned under RDSS. He advised for implementing various reform measures prescribed under the scheme for improving the financial viability and operational efficiency of the Power Department.
It was highlighted that implementation of smart metering works will facilitate energy accounting and will also empower the consumers with ease of payment and better control on their electricity consumption. Meanwhile the Arunachal Pradesh government assured to complete feeder metering by December 2024.
It was emphasized to simplify the process for sanction of new connections and the format of electricity bills which may be easily understood by the consumers. Further, the Union power minister suggested for providing options to consumers for self-meter reading once in every two months and bill generation thorough a mobile App.
It is independently learnt that under RDSS, a total of 2.87 lakh consumer smart meters (excluding DT and feeder meters) have been sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh. While almost all these meters have been awarded, the physical execution of the contracts is yet to begin.
Power Transmission
During the review of transmission sector, the “Comprehensive Scheme for Strengthening of Transmission & Distribution, Arunachal Pradesh” being implemented by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd was discussed. During the meeting, major concerns such as Right of Way (RoW) in the Reserve Forest (RF) areas, O&M of completed elements and issues related to downstream connectivity were also discussed and addressed.
Also read: Arunachal Pradesh Gets Its First GIS Substation
Featured photograph sourced from PIB
