Imphal: The All Manipur Power Consumers Association is calling out the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited for persistent, unannounced blackouts. Consumers pay for electricity in advance via prepaid meters, yet they face regular service failures. The association blasted the utility for this disparity. They argue that collecting money upfront should guarantee a steady supply.
A Comptroller and Auditor General report highlights a massive problem. The utility carries Rs. 691.69 crore in outstanding dues. These debts stem from postpaid users, government offices, and businesses. Meanwhile, prepaid customers see their power cut the second their balance hits zero. The association claims compliant users are paying the price for the company’s internal mismanagement.
MSPDCL hides data. It refuses to publish monthly revenue figures or district-wise power schedules. The association is fighting the installation of new smart meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme. They point out that Manipur hit an Aggregate Technical and Commercial loss of 12.9 per cent in 2025, which already beats the government’s 15 per cent target. Spending millions to replace working gear makes no sense.
"Advance-paying consumers would no longer remain silent over what it described as institutional failures in the power distribution system," the group stated. They are now demanding an automated rebate system for every unscheduled blackout. If the utility keeps failing, the group plans to trigger legal action under the Electricity Act, 2003. They cite the Electricity Rights of Consumers Rules, 2020, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to back their case for compensation.
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