MSPDCL targets September 2027 to complete smart meter installation in Manipur, while addressing rising power demand, supply shortages, rooftop solar and distribution upgrades.
IMPHAL — The Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) has set a target of September 2027 to complete the state-wide installation of smart electricity meters, Managing Director M Rabi Singh said.
Speaking to the media recently, Singh said around 68,400 smart meters have been installed so far against the targeted 1.54 lakh meters. The installations include 67,197 single-phase and 1,203 three-phase meters.
The smart-metering system is expected to provide consumers with greater control and transparency over electricity consumption. Smart-metered consumers will be able to monitor their real-time electricity usage through the MSPDCL website and mobile application.
Unlike traditional analogue meters, which require manual reading, smart meters record electricity consumption continuously and transmit the data automatically to the utility.
The system is expected to improve metering, billing and management of electricity consumption.
MSPDCL has also installed 2,057 distribution-transformer meters and 239 feeder meters. According to Singh, such system-level metering will help the utility track electricity flows more accurately and identify areas where distribution losses occur.
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Manipur became the first state in the Northeast to introduce a prepaid power supply system in April 2012, under which consumers purchased prepaid electricity recharge cards similar to mobile phone recharge cards.
Meanwhile, peak electricity demand in the state is projected to reach 300–310 MW during December 2026 and January 2027, even as power availability is expected to decline during the lean hydropower season.
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 2026.
During the same period, peak demand reached approximately 260 MW, an increase of nearly 20 MW over the previous year.
To address the widening demand-supply gap, MSPDCL has sought Cabinet approval to approach the concerned authorities for a firm allocation of 100 MW from the NTPC Farakka Super Thermal Power Project, covering Stages I and II, at a tariff of INR4.14 per unit.
At the same time, MSPDCL is targeting to bring 18,000 residential consumers under rooftop solar by March 2027 through the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024.
Under the scheme, Central Financial Assistance of INR 33,000 is available for a 1-kW rooftop solar system and INR 66,000 for a 2-kW system. Systems of 3 kW or above are eligible for assistance of INR 85,800, subject to applicable guidelines.
Officials said a 1-kWp rooftop solar system can generate approximately 96 units of electricity a month under suitable conditions and potentially save a household around INR 500 per month, depending on consumption patterns and applicable tariffs.
On strengthening the distribution network, Singh said the state is undertaking major infrastructure works under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).
A total of 36,972 beneficiaries have been sanctioned under the RDSS, while 32,232 beneficiaries have already been surveyed across 1,229 habitations.