Tripura power minister outlines series of pro-consumer initiatives
AGARTALA: Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath outlined a series of initiatives undertaken by the state government and the Power Department to enhance electricity infrastructure and maintain uninterrupted power supply particularly during adverse weather conditions. Nath was speaking at the inaugural session of the state legislative assembly Thursday.
He informed a significant increase in the number of 132 kV substations in Tripura from 12 to 21 with two additional substations under construction. Similarly, the 33 kV substations rose from 44 to 75 with another 18 in progress. The minister noted that 272 km of railway-related power connectivity has been completed as well as 408 km of underground cable installation aimed at ensuring continuity of power supply during storms.
1,464 circuit kilometres of covered conductors have been installed to minimize power disruptions caused by adverse weather with ongoing work for another 360 km. The department is also advancing initiatives in live-line maintenance and drone technology for infrastructure monitoring along with the establishment of mobile sub-stations.
Minister Nath highlighted state government's efforts to expand electricity access in tribal areas stating that power connections have been provided to 11,692 Reang (Bru) families. Under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, approximately 17,400 registrations have been made leading to the installation of 4,540 solar systems that generate around 15.5 MW of power.
The government is exploring financial assistance for solar installations for around 1.5 lakh families in the first phase with a mention of nearly four lakh families consuming up to 50 units of electricity each month.
On power generation, the minister addressed the decline in gas-based power generation, which has impacted the state’s overall electricity output. He responded to criticism regarding electricity tariffs, pointing out that the previous Left Front government had increased tariffs by 62% in 2010 and by 116% over its last eight years, while the current government had raised tariffs by approximately 40% in the same period.
He asserted that tariff decisions are sanctioned by the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission (TERC) based on necessary evaluations and implemented by the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL).
Regarding recent tariff adjustments, the minister announced the state's commitment to subsidizing the additional tariff burden enabling those who have already paid the extra amount to have it credited against future bills. On the topic of smart meters, he noted ongoing installations across various states, citing coverage of around 43% in Himachal Pradesh and 73% in Jammu and Kashmir with Tripura having installed smart meters for around four lakh consumers.
He also stated that while the smart-meter initiative commenced during the Left Front government in 2015, it was badly executed and financial irregularities concerning an approximately Rs 80-crore work order were flagged by the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
The minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to fortifying the power infrastructure in Tripura and safeguarding consumer interests.