AT Photo
Imphal, Sep 28: For ensuring reliable and quality power supply in the area, Manipur's first of its kind Gas Insulated Sub-Station (GIS) was inaugurated under the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project (NERPSIP) at Thongju Part II in outskirts of Imphal on Monday.
Power Minister Thongam Biswajit Singh, Deputy Chairman Manipur Planning Board and Keirao MLA L Rameshwor Meetei, Commissioner (Power) K Raghumani, Managing Director Manipur State Power Company Limited (MSPCL) N Sarat Singh and Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) Managing Director Ng Subhachandra were present during the inaugural function of the GIS (2x10 MVA, 33/11 KV).
Speaking at the inaugural function of the sub-station, Minister Biswajit said that the inauguration of the first of its kind GIS sub-station in the State has several advantages over the conventional sub-stations as the new sub-station requires around only 10 percent space of a conventional sub-station. It will also protect from pollution, reduce switching over voltages, economical and maintenance free. The GIS sub-station has also other advantages over the conventional AIS as it will increase safety, low Gas Pressure, Superior Arc Interruption, among others.
On the department's effort to tap the huge natural resources lying unused in the State, Biswajit who is also in-charge of Trade, Commerce and Industries said that sites for 29 mini hydro power projects have been identified. He continued that we cannot bring development into the State without utilising our huge natural resources.
In his address, Deputy Chairman Manipur Planning Board and Keirao MLA L Rameshwor Meetei said that the improvement in power supply witnessed in the State over the past few years has helped the youth of the State in their small scale business endeavours.
On the other hand, Commissioner Power, K Raghumani said there are a total of 5.02 lakh power consumers in the State now, out of which 3.34 lakh prepaid meters have already been installed and activated, he said adding that due to the improvement in power supply we are witnessing an industrial growth in the State.
In his key-note address, Managing Director MSPCL N Sarat said that 13 similar sub-stations will be inaugurated at the earliest.
The GIS at Thongju Part II, Imphal will cater to the power requirement of the surrounding villages of Thongju with good quality and reliable power and loading pressure on the nearby areas will be reduced extensively.
