AGARTALA, Aug 20 - Power transmission problems in the Northeastern region would figure prominently in the meeting of North East Regional Power Committee beginning Friday in Guwahati, said Tripura Power Minister Manik Dey.
Speaking to the media at Civil Secretariat here before leaving for Guwahati, the Minister said power transmission among the NE States still remains a major problem which requires to be addressed in the NERPC meeting.
Dey said distribution companies have been facing a lot of problems with the Centre trying to put all responsibilities on the State-run power distribution companies.
If the Centre passes the Central Electricity Act 2003, the State Government�s �power� will be whittled down further, he said, adding that the poor people would suffer as the power tariff will go up substantially.
On being asked about the NEEPCO-mulled Manacharchak power plant�s fate, Dey said there is a shortage of gas to run the 101 MW power plant resulting in a loss of Rs 3.5 crore per month.
Besides, Manarchak�s power tariff is very high due to cost escalation following delays in the project. However, NEEPCO sources said the ONGC has stopped supplying gas to the ill-fated power project since early this month leading to suspension of the project.
Sources said the ONGC is not in a position to supply gas to NEEPCO for running Manarchak power plant after feeding two units of Palatana power plant in Udaipur subdivision.
