5 days ago
Tripura Government Details Power Upgrades, Subsidies And Smart-Meter Expansion
Tripura’s government says it is working to make electricity more reliable.
It has built more substations and installed underground cables and special covered wires.
These changes are meant to help keep power running during storms and heavy rain.
The state has also connected thousands of Reang families who previously had no electricity.
Many families have registered for a rooftop solar program, and thousands of solar systems are already working.
The government is considering financial help for solar systems for more families.
Electricity prices have faced criticism, but the government says it will pay a subsidy covering the extra amount from the latest increase.
Officials also say smart meters are now installed for about four lakh consumers.
Gas-based power generation has fallen, which has reduced the state’s overall electricity generation capacity.
Tripura has increased its 132 kV substations from 12 to 21, with two more under construction.
The state has laid 408 km of underground cables and installed 1,464 circuit kilometres of covered conductors to reduce storm-related disruptions.
Electricity connections have been provided to 11,692 Reang families, while 4,540 rooftop solar systems have been installed under the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
The government says it will provide a 100% subsidy on the additional burden from the latest tariff revision.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said smart meters have been installed for around four lakh consumers in Tripura.
- Who
- Tripura Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, the Tripura government and the Power Department.
- What
- The government outlined measures to strengthen electricity infrastructure, expand access, support solar power and protect consumers from the latest tariff increase.
- Where
- Tripura, including Agartala, Gandacherra and tribal areas of the state.
- When
- The announcement was made on the first day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly’s Monsoon session on Thursday; several projects and figures cover ongoing work and previous years.
- Why
- To improve power reliability during adverse weather, expand electricity access and address consumer concerns over tariffs and metering.
Government Position
Criticism And Concerns
Electricity tariffs
Government Position
The government says the latest tariff decisions are made by the Tripura Electricity Regulatory Commission and that it will fully subsidize the additional burden for consumers.
Criticism And Concerns
Critics have raised concerns about electricity tariff increases. The minister compared the current government’s approximately 40% increase over eight years with larger increases under the previous Left Front government.
Smart-meter implementation
Government Position
The minister says smart meters are being installed under a central mandate and that around four lakh Tripura consumers are covered.
Criticism And Concerns
The minister alleged that the smart-meter process began under the previous Left Front government in 2015 but was not implemented effectively, and said financial irregularities were flagged in an approximately Rs 80 crore work order.
Key facts
- 132 kV substations
- 21 currently in Tripura, up from 12; two more are under construction.
- 33 kV substations
- 75 currently, up from 44; work on another 18 is underway.
- Storm-protection infrastructure
- 408 km of underground cables and 1,464 circuit kilometres of covered conductors have been installed.
- Tribal electrification
- 11,692 Reang families have received electricity connections.
- Rooftop solar
- 4,540 systems have been installed, generating around 15.5 MW, from approximately 17,400 registrations.
- Tariff subsidy
- The government says it will provide a 100% subsidy on the additional burden from the latest tariff revision.
- Smart meters
- Around four lakh consumers in Tripura have smart meters installed.
Quotes
Ratan Lal Nath
Tripura Power Minister
“Work orders have also been issued for live-line maintenance and the use of drone technology for monitoring power infrastructure, while the department is also working on establishing mobile substations”
thehansindia.com
“Similarly, the number of 33 kV substations has increased from 44 to 75, with work on another 18 in progress.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
Arunachal Energises Along-Kamba Line, Kamba Substation
Haryana approves purchase of 26,161 transformers to boost power infrastructure
Mizoram Advances Major Solar and Hydropower Expansion Plans
Arunachal Deputy CM Seeks Centre Support for Northeast Power Grid
Indore's 60-Year-Old Chambal Substation Gets Major Power Upgrade
Delhi Approves Free Rooftop Solar Panels for 2.3 Lakh Homes
Andhra Pradesh Discoms Prepare Power Plan Amid El Niño Threat
Lokesh Sets Goal to Make Mangalagiri Number One Region
Delhi Revises Solar Policy With Free Rooftop Systems
Karnataka Accelerates Rooftop Solar Projects for Government Buildings
