Imphal: Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) has sought Cabinet approval for a 100 MW power allocation from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Farakka Super Thermal Power Project (Stages I and II) in West Bengal at Rs 4.14 per unit to bridge the state’s growing power deficit.
MSPDCL Managing Director M Rabi Singh said the move aims to address seasonal hydropower shortages, with peak winter demand expected to create a shortfall of up to 150 MW.
Manipur has a long-term allocated power capacity of 291.69 MW. However, actual availability fell to 160-170 MW in June and July 2026, while peak demand reached 260 MW during the same period.
This was 20 MW higher than the previous year. Rabi attributed the supply constraints to the delayed monsoon, dry spells and low run-of-the-river hydropower generation in the region.
Looking ahead to the winter season, Rabi said peak demand could reach 300-310 MW, potentially resulting in a deficit of 140-150 MW. To address the shortage, MSPDCL has secured return-energy banking arrangements of 50-66 MW during peak hours from December 2026 to March 2027.
Under the arrangement, Manipur can draw power when required and return the equivalent energy later when generation improves.
Rabi also said the revised monthly domestic electricity tariff has increased the charge for the first 100 units from Rs 5.10 to Rs 5.36 per unit and for the next 100 units from Rs 5.95 to Rs 6.25 per unit. Consumption above 200 units will now cost Rs 7.10 per unit, compared with the earlier Rs 6.75.
For commercial consumers, the revised energy charges are Rs 7.07 per unit for the first 100 units, Rs 7.85 per unit for the next 100 units and Rs 8.30 per unit for consumption above 200 units.