Guwahati, April 11: Meghalaya has made it clear that it does not require excess power from the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, warning that continued allocation could push up electricity costs for consumers.
At the latest meeting of the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC), officials confirmed that Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) is already operating with surplus hydropower and has no requirement for the unallocated share from Subansiri’s Units II and III. Units II and III of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project have just been commissioned.
During the 57th Commercial Coordination Committee meeting, the Member Secretary of NERPC informed that such unallocated power is distributed through a national-level pool. The Committee has advised MePDCL to formally write to the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), with a copy to NERPC, seeking relief.
“MePDCL has surplus hydropower, therefore it does not require the same,” the meeting minutes noted.
Despite this position, power from the project continues to be scheduled to Meghalaya under the existing centralised allocation mechanism, raising concerns within the state’s power sector.
NERPC acknowledged that allocating surplus power to states like Meghalaya is resulting in avoidable power purchase costs, ultimately burdening end consumers. The committee has advised the state to take up the matter with the Centre to relinquish its share.
In a key development, Meghalaya—along with Assam—has been asked to prepare a data-driven impact assessment report detailing the financial and operational implications of the allocation. The report will be placed before the NERPC Board for further deliberation.
Assam has also raised similar concerns, noting that it has been allocated 33.1 MW (6.62%) from the unallocated share of the Subansiri Units II and III despite already securing sufficient power through long-term agreements. Officials warned that this additional allocation could increase power purchase costs for consumers in the state as well.
However, NERPC has clarified that until the Ministry of Power issues revised directions, the current allocation and scheduling of power will continue.
Also Read: Meghalaya pushes for power sector reforms at NERPC meet
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