Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited is pushing for Cabinet approval to buy 100 MW of power from the National Thermal Power Corporation Farakka project in West Bengal. The power would cost Rs 4.14 per unit. This plan targets a widening energy gap as winter approaches. Power is getting scarce.
Managing Director M Rabi Singh said the state expects a 150 MW deficit this winter. Peak demand will likely climb to 310 MW. Meanwhile, existing hydropower output is tanking due to a dry, delayed monsoon. Availability dropped to 170 MW this summer while demand surged to 260 MW, a 20 MW increase from last year.
The state has a 291.69 MW long-term capacity but that is not enough. To handle the shortfall, the company set up return-energy banking deals for up to 66 MW between December 2026 and March 2027. This lets the state borrow power now and pay it back when water levels rise. "The move aims to address seasonal hydropower shortages, with peak winter demand expected to create a shortfall of up to 150 MW," Rabi stated.
Domestic and commercial rates are climbing too. Residents now pay Rs 5.36 per unit for the first 100 units, Rs 6.25 for the next 100, and Rs 7.10 for anything over that. Commercial users face higher jumps, paying up to Rs 8.30 per unit for high consumption. The power pinch hits every wallet in the state.
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