Power Minister Shri Thongam Biswajit Singh chaired the first monthly review meeting of the Power Department yestarday. The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore, Manipur State Power Company Limited and Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited officials including Managing Director Shri N Sarat and Executive Director Shri L Priyokumar.
Speaking at the meeting held at his office conference hall, New Secretariat, the Minister said Smart Meter has already been declared mandatory by the Centre and the officials should discuss means to introduce the same in the State.
In reply to explanations from the department officials that uninterrupted internet connectivity is required for proper functioning of the smart meter, the Minister suggested the officials to start installing the meter in the Imphal bazaar area where there is no connectivity issues.
Observing that the revenue of the department will increase if the department can maintain quality supply of electricity, he said the department should be ready to provide even transformers in a day’s time after receiving complaints.
Chief Secretary Shri Oinam Nabakishore said the department officials and staff need to be service oriented in their dealings and be customer friendly so that they can attract more consumers.
Citing personal experience, he said the department prepaid service is much cheaper than it’s billing system and as such the department should encourage the prepaid system.
He further suggested the department to encourage bulk customers like industries to get connections through the prepaid system.
Meanwhile, several of the officials also highlighted their issues. The concerned official of Kangpokpi and Senapati circle said more than 2100 prepaid meters have been activated in Kangpokpi area alone. He said now some consumers who have installed the prepaid meters have started complaining that while they are paying others are freely enjoying power supply without installing prepaid meters.
Replying to the issues highlighted by the officials attending the meeting, the Minister said preparations have been made to procure transformer oils.
The Minister continued in order to check power theft, the department should first install AV cables in every part of the State. He elaborated once the AV cables are installed, the department can easily identify illegal consumers.
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