Manipur Power Minister inaugurates first of its kind 2x10 MVA, 33/11 KV GIS

IMPHAL: Power Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh today inaugurated the first of its kind 2x10 MVA, 33/11 KV Gas Insulated Sub-Station (GIS) at Thongju Part II under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP).

As the chief guest at the sub-inauguration, the station's Minister thanked the staff and officials of both Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) and Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) for their tireless efforts to improve power supply quality in the State.

The Power Minister stated that the newly inaugurated GIS sub-station has several advantages over conventional sub-stations, including the fact that it takes up only 10% of the space of a conventional substation.

It will also protect against pollution, reduce switching overvoltages, and be cost-effective and maintenance-free.

The GIS sub-station has several advantages over traditional AIS, including increased safety, lower gas pressure, and superior arc interruption, among others.

Minister Biswajit continued that the State has managed to reduce the ATC losses of the State to 20.27 percent against the State’s own target of 21 percent.

He said the ATC was as high as 45percent in the past. He continued that the State is further targeting to bring it down to 12-15 percent by 2023-24.

Meanwhile, speaking on the government and the department’s effort to tap the huge natural resources lying unused in the State, the Minister said that sites for 29 mini-hydropower projects have been identified. He continued that we cannot bring development into the State without utilizing our huge natural resources.

Minister Biswajit, who is also in charge of Trade, Commerce and Industries appealed to the people to promote local merchandise and utilise handloom products. He said that if our entire population utilise even one item of our handloom products each, we can improve the livelihood of the State’s artisans.

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He said that Manipur is today witnessing industrial growth for which reliable and quality power supply is much needed.

Deputy Chairman Manipur Planning Board and Keirao A/C MLA Shri L.Rameshwor Meetei lauded the staff and officials of the two companies for their untiring efforts.

The MLA, emphasising the importance of quality power supply in the industrialization of society, stated that the improvement in power supply witnessed in the State over the last few years has aided the State's youth in their small scale business endeavours.

He stated that as a result of the ongoing pandemic, many of our youth who were working outside have returned to the state. These young people are now starting small-scale businesses such as poultry farming and fish farming.

Commissioner Power, K.Raghumani said that the power sector has witnessed a great change over the past three years in the State. Today, people are enjoying a 24x7uninterrupted power supply, he continued.

The company is also collecting more revenue with the installation of the prepaid meters There are a total of 5.02 lakh power consumers in the State now, out of which 3.34lakh prepaid meters have already been installed and activated, he said adding that "Due to the improvement in power supply we are witnessing an industrial growth in the State."

"Under the government’s SAUBHAGYA scheme, electrification of rural areas had been undertaken. Delivering the key-note address, Managing Director MSPCL, N.Sarat said that the inauguration of the GIS sub-station in the State today is an important landmark in the power sector of the State.

The scheme was funded by the Government of India and the World Bank on a 50:50 basis. He continued that 13 similar sub-stations will be inaugurated at the earliest.

The MD further said that today we have inaugurated many power sub-stations in the State, however, for financial sustainability, revenue collection needs to be strong, and that the people should also understand this.

The GIS at Thongju Part II, Imphal will provide good quality and reliable power to the surrounding villages of Thongju Part I/II, Kyamgei, Pheijaleitong, Koirou, Ningomthong, Kha Naorem Leikai, Canchipur, Langthabal Kunja, Bashikhong, etc., and the loading pressure on the nearby 33/11 kV sub-station at Kakwa, Monsangei, and Kongb It can also be used as a backup power source for Manipur University in the event of a power outage. Today's inaugural function was also attended by MSPDCL MD Shri Ng Subhachandra, Power Grid, MSPDCL, and MSPCL officials, among others.

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