As the Intra – State Transmission and Distribution systems in the north eastern states have remained very weak; the Central Electricity Authority developed a comprehensive scheme for the North East Region (NER) in consultation with the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL).

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently approved the project for the six States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Nagaland, for strengthening of the Intra State Transmission and Distribution System at an estimated cost of ₹5111.33 crore including capacity building expenditure of ₹89 crore. The main aim of the project is to address the lacuna in the Intra-State Transmission & Distribution Infrastructure in the north east region. A similar scheme was earlier approved for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim at an estimated cost of ₹4754.42 crore.

A New Central Sector Plan Scheme:

The Scheme is to be taken up under a new Central Sector Plan Scheme of Ministry of Power and will be implemented with the assistance of World Bank loan and by the Government of India. The NERPSIP will be funded on 50:50 (World Bank: GoI) basis except the component of capacity building for ₹89 crore, which will be fully funded by the Government of India. This project is the first phase of the three phased development, for which the World Bank will be extending loan in three tranches of US$500 million each.

PGCIL –Implementing Agency:

The project will be implemented through PGCIL in association with six north eastern states. It shall be progressively commissioned within 4 years.  After commissioning, the project will be owned and maintained by the State Governments.

Existing Transmission Network:

Presently, all the six Northeastern states are connected to transmission network at 132 KV and below. The 33 KV system is the backbone of power distribution system in these States. In order to reduce the gap between the requirement and availability of the intra-state transmission and distribution system, it is necessary to provide 132 KV / 220 KV connectivity to all the six NER States for proper voltage management and lower distribution losses. Similarly, the distribution system in all six NER States which mainly relies on 33 KV network would be strengthened substantially.

Impact of Scheme/ Project:

•         Implementation of this project will create a reliable State power grid and improve its connectivity to the upcoming load centers, and thus extend the benefits of the grid connected power to all categories of consumers.

•         The project would also provide the required grid connectivity to such villages and towns of the States, where development of distribution system at the downstream level has been taking place under various programmes of Government of India.

•         This project is a major step towards meeting the national objective of "Power to All" through enhancement in access of consumers to grid connected power supply through improving its availability and reliability, thereby facilitating inclusive growth.

•         This shall also increase the per capita power consumption of these States, which is lagging behind the average national consumption and shall contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern Region.

•         The power officials of State utilities shall benefit their association with Central Implementing Agency and this will enable them to play a larger role during the second and third tranche of development.