Power ministers from the Northeastern states have urged the Centre to provide enhanced financial assistance for modernising the regional power grid and implementing priority projects to strengthen electricity supply.
The demand was raised during a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi. The delegation, led by NERPC chairman and Meghalaya power minister Metbah Lyngdoh, included Mizoram’s F. Rodingliana, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and senior officials.
The ministers sought central funding for grid modernisation and special support for projects under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), highlighting initiatives such as SCADA/EMS and Emergency Restoration System (ERS). They pointed out challenges posed by the region’s difficult terrain, where long transmission lines are needed to reach remote settlements, and stressed the need for more substations in far‑flung areas.
Rodingliana also called for a transparent mechanism to utilise the 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) earmarked for the Northeast by Union ministries, with a larger share directed to the power sector.
Khattar assured the delegation that he would take up the funding issue with the Finance Minister but noted that states would also need to contribute. He urged faster installation of smart meters, introduction of “check meters” for consumer verification, and sustained efforts to reduce transmission losses.
The NERPC, formed under the Electricity Act, 2003, comprises the seven Northeastern states. Meghalaya currently holds the chairmanship, with Mizoram set to take over next term.
