A total of 16 mini power projects with a total generating capacity of 1,637 MW are being commissioned in Meghalaya, chief minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Of the 1,637 MW installed capacity of the 16 under construction power projects, 801 MW would be hydro-electric, 740 MW would be thermal power and 96 MW from various renewable energy sources, Sangma told reporters in Shillong on Tuesday.
Sangma said due to numerous reasons and problems, the construction of the power plants is not being completed on time.
Delay in land acquisition, timely preparation of detailed project reports, hindrances in erection of transmission lines and an unfavourable working environment are some of the hurdles delaying the commissioning of these mini power plants, Sangma said.
He said the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited owes dues amounting to Rs 181 crore to various consumer and commercial organisations.
Sangma said that to minimize transmission loss and power theft, smart meters would gradually be installed in the premises of 4, 50,000 consumers.
“Serious efforts are being made to reduce the loadshedding duration and ensure that the overall power scenario improves in Meghalaya,” he added.