Shillong: Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh opened the MePDCL Distribution Transformer Testing Laboratory in Sumer, Ri-Bhoi district, on Wednesday. The project cost Rs 1.3 crore. It aims to sharpen the reliability of Meghalaya’s power grid. This site is a joint push by MePDCL, the Central Power Research Institute, and the Ministry of Power, with help from REC Limited.
Lyngdoh pushed for immediate NABL accreditation. He said, "The quality and performance of distribution transformers have a direct bearing on energy losses, reliability of power supply, safety, and the overall performance of the distribution network." The state currently relies on manufacturer test certificates. This lab allows independent verification of equipment before field use.
MeECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Sanjay Goyal identified repaired transformer quality as a persistent headache. The corporation now tracks transformer age, failure rates, and repair history to decide when to scrap equipment. The facility handles 11 kV and 0.433 kV transformers up to 500 kVA. It specifically covers gear under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme.
The lab project launched on November 14, 2025, when MePDCL and the Central Power Research Institute signed an agreement. While awaiting NABL status, the institute will manage testing and issue reports. MeECL intends to open the site to other Northeast states. They also plan to boost in-house repair capacity through two-shift operations and extra staff.
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