Imphal: Manipur faces a looming energy crisis. The state expects a power deficit of 140 to 150 MW this winter as peak demand climbs to 310 MW by January. The Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited announced the grim outlook on Tuesday. Demand surged 20 MW higher than last year, while hydropower generation continues to slide.
Managing Director M. Rabi Singh blamed the gap on dry weather and the late monsoon. Available power in June and July dropped to 170 MW despite a long-term allocation of 291.69 MW. To bridge the gap, the company secured energy banking arrangements of up to 66 MW for the upcoming season. Officials have also requested cabinet approval to buy 100 MW from the NTPC Farakka Super Thermal Power Project at 4.14 rupees per unit.
Infrastructure upgrades are underway to reduce losses. Workers are replacing old lines with Aerial Bunched cables and bifurcating 11-kV feeders under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. Material delivery is at 80 percent, but physical installation lags at 48 percent. The full project concludes by March 2028.
The state pushes for smart metering to track usage. Technicians installed over 68,000 smart meters along with transformer and feeder monitors. Rabi Singh noted the broader effort, stating, "The multi-pronged strategy of power banking, additional firm allocation, network strengthening, smart metering and rooftop solar is aimed at improving supply reliability and reducing distribution losses."
Residential solar projects also offer a buffer. MSPDCL received 3,395 applications under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. They have already finished installing over 6 MWp of capacity, with a target to reach 18,000 homes by March 2027.
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