Minister KG Kenye and others during the general conference of Association of Power Engineers Nagaland in the conference hall of the Engineer-in-Chief (Power), Kohima on May 21.
Kohima, May 21 (MExN): Nagaland’s Power Minister, KG Kenye, emphasised the urgent need for accurate electricity billing and energy conservation in the state.
Speaking at the general conference of Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) in Kohima on May 21, Kenye pointed out that while most states prioritize billing ‘as they are accustomed to uninterrupted power supply,’ Nagaland focuses on ‘restoration of power supply is prioritized over reduction of bills and energy conservation.’
“There is a need to realize electricity bills as per the actual consumption as many consumers is billed on minimum,” the Minister stated.
This has led to lack of “responsibility to conserve electricity vis-à-vis reduction of electricity bills which has consequently made it challenging for implementation of smart prepaid meters,” Kenye said.
The minister opined that the Rooftop Solar PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a central government initiative, as a beneficial scheme for consumers to reduce the electricity bills.
He also stressed on the importance of developing generation projects in the State, as Nagaland is a power deficient State, stated a press release received here.
He encouraged the power engineers to prioritize and collaborate for development of generation projects locally to make Nagaland self-sufficient in power.
Shift from manual to advanced systems
Addressing the occasion, Asangla Imti, IAS, Secretary (Power) commended the power engineers “for their proficiency and work culture” and encouraged the members to continue with their hard work.
Citing the global technological advancement, she said that “it has become necessary to change our mindset and do away with manual system of working.”
She challenged the engineers to work on mission mode for implementation of Smart Prepaid metering under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and Rooftop Solar PMSG-MBY which are beneficial to the consumers.
Reforms needed for quality power services: APEN President
APEN President, Er Kasho Chishi urged the association members “to cultivate and preserve the rich engineering ethics and engineering culture while discharging their duties.”
He stressed on the need to be aware that they have been vested with huge responsibility that comes with accountability.
He highlighted the need to keep updated with technological innovations and at the same time develop clear roadmaps in terms of resource adequacy in all the sectors of Generation, Transmission & Distribution. He also outlined the need for reforms and re-structuring of the State power sector in order to deliver quality service to the people and that regular cadre reviews are required for establishing an efficient workforce of the Department.
New team of office bearers
During the conference, a new team of office bearers were inducted for the term 2025-2028 with the following: President-Er Mhonlumo Kikon; Vice President-Er. Kikrusenuo Chielie’ General Secretary-Er Y Akito Sema; Joint Secretaries- Er Kekhriesalhou Keyho and Sungkumlemba Jamir; Treasurer-Er Namheu Khate Zeliang; PRO-Er Neiteii Mero.
The programme was chaired by Er Neiyie Neikha, Vice President, APEN and it concluded with a vote of thanks by Er N Myingthungo Ngullie.
