104 transformers planned across district under RDSS
The smart meter rollout in Mokokchung town has crossed the 1,000 mark, while 104 new distribution transformers are set to be installed across Mokokchung district under the Centre-sponsored Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), officials informed the District Electricity Committee on Monday.
The updates were shared during the committee meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall under the chairmanship of Lok Sabha MP Supongmeren Jamir.
Er Achanger Aier, SDO, Electrical Department, Mokokchung Division, informed the committee that 1,084 smart meters have been installed in Mokokchung town. Talking to reporters, Aier said, the installations include all government offices and government quarters, along with around 500 consumers across the town’s 18 municipal wards. The total number of electricity consumers in Mokokchung town is approximately 13,000.
Highlighting the challenges in implementing the program, the SDO said one of the biggest hurdles has been the misconception among consumers that smart meters result in higher electricity bills. He stressed the need for greater public awareness to address such concerns.
The committee was also informed that 104 new distribution transformers will be installed across Mokokchung district under the RDSS. Other sanctioned works include the replacement of lengthy low-tension (LT) lines with high-tension (HT) lines, the laying of 71.6 kilometres of LT conductor, development of 11 kV infrastructure for down-linking with NERPSIP, 11 kV and 33 kV reconductoring, and cabling works aimed at strengthening the district’s power distribution network.
Presenting the state-level progress of the scheme, Er Lobosang Jamir, Chief Engineer (Distribution & Revenue), said Nagaland has been allocated Rs 673 crore under the RDSS in a 90:10 funding ratio between the Centre and the State Government. He said the scheme seeks to improve the quality and reliability of power supply, strengthen distribution infrastructure, reduce Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and improve the operational and financial performance of the power distribution sector.
M Basar, General Manager (Project), who is overseeing RDSS implementation in Mokokchung and six other districts, said the project has achieved about 60 per cent physical progress. He attributed delays to the monsoon season, power shutdowns required for execution of works and transportation constraints, while adding that the project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.
The RDSS, launched by the Ministry of Power in July 2021, provides financial assistance to states for strengthening electricity distribution infrastructure and improving consumer services. The District Electricity Committee reviews the implementation of the scheme and monitors the development of power infrastructure, service delivery and consumer grievance redressal at the district level.
