Shillong, May 13: Meghalaya’s power infrastructure is undergoing key upgrades under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with smart meters and system modernization at the core of the government’s efforts to improve efficiency and reduce losses.

Speaking to the media, Power Minister AT Mondal explained the multiple components of the upgrade plan, informing, “Once RDSS is completed, we will be in a good position. Work has already begun. It will help reduce losses. Smart meters are also part of this effort to minimize losses and improve revenue collection. We’re also focusing on strengthening transmission and generation capacities.”

Addressing the question of transformer replacement, Mondal clarified that replacement is a continuous process and not something that will be done all at once.

“It’s not about changing all transformers in one go. Transformers are changed as and when required — due to age, inefficiency, or increased load. It’s a continuous process,” he said.

On the rollout of smart meters, which are mandated under RDSS, the minister admitted the state has faced delays due to complications in the tender process.

“I’m not saying smart meters will be completed by 2035. It is a mandatory project under RDSS, and we’ve already awarded the tender. LOI (Letter of Intent) will be issued soon. We’ll ensure smooth implementation by taking consumers into confidence,” he said.

Mondal acknowledged public apprehensions around smart meters, saying, “Naturally, when a new system or technology is introduced, there are always concerns. Other states also faced issues during implementation, but those were resolved. We are among the states lagging behind.”

He also flagged an issue with the tendering process, noting that some companies were found to be blacklisted only at the end of the selection process.

“I recently raised this issue with the Union Power Minister. Sometimes, we only discover that a company is blacklisted at the end of the tender process. The Minister assured us that a dedicated portal will be created to list blacklisted companies, so that such issues can be avoided in future tenders,” Mondal said.

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