Manipur is likely to face a power deficit of around 140–150 MW during the coming winter, with peak electricity demand projected to reach 300–310 MW in December 2026 and January 2027 against declining hydropower generation, the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) said on Tuesday.
MSPDCL Managing Director M. Rabi Singh made the disclosure during the 11th edition of the “Meet the Press” programme organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at the DIPR Auditorium here.
Rabi Singh said Manipur has a long-term allocated power capacity of 291.69 MW, but actual availability fell to around 160–170 MW during June and July this year, while peak demand touched nearly 260 MW—about 20 MW higher than the previous year.
He attributed the widening demand-supply gap mainly to the delayed monsoon, prolonged dry spells and reduced generation from run-of-the-river hydropower projects in the Northeast. The situation is expected to worsen during the lean winter season as hydroelectric generation declines.
To meet the anticipated shortage, MSPDCL has secured return-energy banking arrangements of up to 50–66 MW during peak hours from December 2026 to March 2027. The company has also sought Cabinet approval to pursue a firm 100-MW allocation from NTPC’s Farakka Super Thermal Power Project, Stages I and II, at ¹ 4.14 per unit.
Rabi Singh said distribution infrastructure is also being strengthened under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), including reconductoring and bifurcation of 11-kV feeders and replacement of LT bare conductors with Aerial Bunched cables. Material supply has reached 80 per cent and erection work 48 per cent, with completion targeted by March 2028.
Smart metering is another major component of the reform programme. Around 68,400 smart meters, including 67,197 single-phase and 1,203 three-phase meters, have been installed. MSPDCL has also installed 2,057 distribution-transformer meters and 239 feeder meters, with the overall programme targeted for completion by September 2027.
Meanwhile, under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, MSPDCL has received 3,395 rooftop-solar applications representing 11.6 MWp, with 1,640 systems totalling 6.193 MWp already installed. The State has set a target of covering 18,000 residential consumers by March 2027.
Rabi Singh said the multi-pronged strategy of power banking, additional firm allocation, network strengthening, smart metering and rooftop solar is aimed at improving supply reliability and reducing distribution losses.
Officials including Th. Satyajeet Singh, A. Chingkheinganba, Yumnam Dayanta, Chandramani and N. Purnima were also present.