Ri Bhoi to get new 132KV Substation after decades of power reliability issues

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 30, 2025

Commissioner & Secretary in-charge power department Sanjay Goyal has announced that the construction of the 132KV substation will soon start to ensure a highly reliable power supply to Ri Bhoi district. 

Goyal told reporters on Friday that the issue faced by the district is not a power shortage, but rather a reliability problem due to the long transmission line (almost 40kms) from Umiam to Nongpoh.

He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the department for understanding the issue and approving the project.

“We have sanctioned 132KV sub station which will lead to a very highly reliable power supply in the district after long gap of this problem which is there. I am thankful that the department and the chief minister has understood the issue and we will soon going to construct this 132KV sub station,” the commissioner & secretary stated.

Regarding issue of pending bills, Goyal said that collecting energy bills from consumers is a challenge. However, the department is working to improve collection efficiency and has introduced online payment platforms, including Google Pay. 

He urged consumers to pay their bills regularly, emphasizing that timely payments are essential for maintaining an efficient supply stream.

Further, Goyal announced that the department plans to incentivize consumers who pay their bills regularly through online modes. 

According to him, the collection efficiency has improved compared to previous years and is expected to further improve in the coming years.

Goyal announced that the department is revising its scheme for waiving off delayed payment surcharges. A new scheme with additional benefits to consumers will be introduced soon.

Meanwhile, Goyal informed that the department’s progress on tasks assigned during the first cabinet retreat was presented during the second cabinet retreat. 

These tasks included exploring thermal and hydro options, involving private players, and improving performance.

“The cabinet has noted down the tasks which have been given to us and their progress and we will take it forward wherever things that are not been closed as per the task given,” he stated.