Electricity Not A 'Luxury': Meghalaya High Court Criticizes Frequent Power Cuts, Says State Has Duty To Ensure Adequate Supply
The Meghalaya High Court recently criticized the State and its electricity regulatory body, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), for rampant power cuts in the State, admittedly due to imbalance in demand and supply.While hearing a PIL in this regard, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh observed, "Electricity is no longer a luxury. It is the...
The Meghalaya High Court recently criticized the State and its electricity regulatory body, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), for rampant power cuts in the State, admittedly due to imbalance in demand and supply.
While hearing a PIL in this regard, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh observed,
"Electricity is no longer a luxury. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that there is adequate availability of electricity as per demand and plans should be in place to meet the increased future demands".
The bench ironically remarked that even while the order in the PIL was being dictated by it, power supply to the Court had been interrupted. "The power has resumed within a few second, but it may be a sign that the State ought to give an adequate answer," it said.
MeECL Chairman informed the Court that the monthly demand of power is to the extent of 200 million units and the availability is only 88 million units. He further submitted that such shortfall is because of a power plant in Tripura being shut down for technical reasons and the State finding no alternative source for power.
However, the Court was of the view this cannot be an excuse to justify interruptions in power supply. It suggested the State to may buy power from the open grid and enter into arrangements with power companies. It has now sought independent affidavits from both the State and MeECL, indicating the immediate, short-term, and long-term measures to address the power crisis, along with a plan of action during accidental shutdowns of any power plant and alternative sources that may be available.
The court further stressed the need for equitable distribution of load-shedding hours and alternative arrangements for essential services such as hospitals, airports, and key installations.
The matter has been posted again on May 30th for further consideration.
Case Title: Flaming B. Marak Vs State of Meghalaya & ors