Nearly a decade ago, the introduction of prepaid electricity meters in Manipur was projected as a turning point in the state’s power sector. Launched around 2014-15, the move aimed to ensure steady revenue for the state utility, curb rampant electricity theft, and usher in an era of reliable power supply for the public. For a while, that vision became a reality. Consumers experienced consistent power, and the department claimed financial recovery.
But fast forward to the present, and that progress appears to have been undone. For the past year or two, the quality of power supply in the state has nosedived—reminding citizens of the pre-prepaid days when unannounced blackouts and erratic supply were routine. What used to be rare power cuts have now become a daily frustration. Load shedding without warning has turned into a norm.
This deterioration raises uncomfortable questions. With most consumers now paying their electricity bills in advance through prepaid meters, there is no room for excuses about unpaid dues. If the financial stability of the department was once hampered by non-paying customers, that can no longer be used as a justification. Every household now pays upfront. Every kilowatt is metered and billed. Yet, supply remains unreliable.
Residents are also questioning the high fixed charges levied by the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL). A standard domestic connection of 2.0 kW costs Rs.65/month/Kw as a fixed charge—irrespective of actual usage. On top of this, consumers pay for every unit they consume. In return, what they expect is steady electricity. But what they’re getting is uncertainty, disruption, and silence from the authorities.
Earlier, the department was quick to blame the public for irregular supply, citing unpaid bills and unsustainable losses. But now, with prepaid meters securing consistent revenue collection, the tables have turned. The people are demanding answers: What exactly is the reason for the current failure? If funds are flowing in as they should, where is the problem rooted?
This is not the first time questions have been raised about MSPDCL’s internal functioning. There have been past allegations and media reports pointing to irregularities and scams inside the MSPDCL. While these issues often fade from public attention without proper inquiry, the current state of affairs revives those concerns.
Is the present power crisis merely a result of technical shortcomings, or is there a deeper issue—one that goes beyond transformers and transmission lines?
In a state already burdened with a fragile law-and-order environment and developmental backlogs, the least citizens expect is the basic right to uninterrupted electricity, especially when they are paying for it in advance. It may be time for independent oversight, a thorough audit, or even central intervention to understand why a system designed to solve problems is now creating new ones.
Manipur’s public has fulfilled their responsibility. They have embraced prepaid metering and paid for power before using it. Now the onus is on MSPDCL to deliver on the trust it demanded—no more excuses, no more passing the blame. The people deserve not just electricity, but accountability.