Shillong, Nov 17: The state cabinet has approved the proposal for allotment of a 210 mega watts (MW) Myntdu-Leshka Hydro Power Project–Stage II besides 15 other small hydro projects to the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting here on Friday, chief minister Mukul Sangma said that the proposal of the power department was approved based on the recommendation of the empowered committee that 15 power projects should be allotted to the MeECL for execution.

He said, apart from this, the cabinet has also approved the allotment of a medium hydro power project of 210 megawatt at Myntdu Leshka Stage-II, located in the downstream of the Myntdu Leshka Stage I. The project will be executed by the MeECL.

According to him, the MeECL already has its establishment there, and the expected overall expenditure will have reasonable amount of cost reduced.

“In this way, the power tariff will be reduced and this benefit will be passed on to the consumers of the state,” he said while informing that the modalities have been worked out to ensure appropriate formulae of cash flow to the MeECL for development of power projects.

He said that the move was to also encourage the MeECL’s generation company to increase its generation capacity and meet the rising demand of energy in the state.

The chief minister also informed that the cabinet has approved the cancellation of an agreement with private developers for two power projects at Umduna and Umjaut, since they have failed to proceed for development of the projects.

“Hence, the agreements now stand cancelled and the developers will accordingly be informed,” he said while informing that the projects will either be allotted to the MeECL or NEEPCO.

Meanwhile, the cabinet also approved the establishment of power projects based on renewal energy as per the recommendation of the empowered committee.

These projects will be developed at three locations – Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi, Mendipathar in North Garo Hills and Ampati in South West Garo Hills District.

The chief minister said that the land required for developing such power projects under the new technology will be minimum and it was expected these projects would transform the power scenario in the state.

“It will also enable consumers in the state to have access to affordable power supply, the tariff of which is at Rs 3.5,” he said, while informing that developers have also indicated that they want to develop these projects without any support from the state government.