Power Sector Conference Held in Sikkim to Push Modernisation

29 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Regional Conference of the Power Sector was held in Gangtok on April 26, with Union Power and Housing Minister Manohar Lal and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang leading the discussions. The meet brought together ministers, senior officials, and power sector heads from across the northeastern states.

Speaking at the conference, Union Minister Manohar Lal stressed the need for a modern, financially viable, and environmentally responsible power sector to power India’s growth towards a developed economy. He called for advancing all modes of energy generation — thermal, hydro, atomic, and renewables — to meet rising demands and achieve the target of net zero emissions.

The minister highlighted that despite India bridging 99.9 per cent of its current energy needs, future readiness remains critical. Schemes like RDSS and PM-JANMAN are helping plug distribution gaps and bring last-mile electrification. He urged states to adopt cost-reflective tariffs, cut AT&C losses, prioritise smart metering—especially in government colonies—and strengthen distribution reforms.

Highlighting the hydro and pumped-storage potential of the Northeast, the minister urged states to fully tap these resources to bolster energy security.

Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal underlined the urgent need for states to secure power supply till FY2030 under their resource adequacy plans. He called for timely investments in intra-state transmission networks using models like TBCB, RTM, and asset monetisation.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang welcomed the gathering and outlined Sikkim’s efforts to improve power reliability. He sought continued Union government support to address state-specific challenges.

Ministers and senior officials from Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and other northeastern states participated, expressing gratitude for the Centre’s focus on strengthening the region’s power infrastructure.

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