March 21, 2013

Arunachal Pradesh Power (Electrical) Minister Tanga Byaling informed that the state government was awaiting sanction of a project proposal submitted to the DoNER Ministry amounting to Rs. 1800 crores for construction of state’s own power grid and sub stations to minimise power transmission and distribution loss.

Responding to a question raised in the assembly, Minister disclosed that the state government had requested the Union Ministry of Power for funding from World Bank along with the projects of other North Eastern states but the proposal could not materialize because of objection raised by China who, claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory.

The aggregate transmission, distribution and commercial loss of the state is around 60 percent which is mainly due to long transmission and distribution lines, non-payment of electricity bills by the consumers and illegal power tapping etc.

He said the department was planning to install pre-paid energy meters and remote metering system beginning from the state capital, which would enhance revenue collection efficiency.

The proposal to install pre-paid energy meters and remote metering system will be submitted to the state government soon for Itanagar and Naharlagun as a pilot project for Rs. 35 crores, he disclosed.