Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has clarified that the frequent power shutdowns in various parts of the state, including Shillong, Tura, and Jowai, are not load shedding but regulated shutdowns aimed at implementing the Rs 900 crore Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).

“In the recent past, I have been receiving messages from the public concerned about the frequent shutdowns in power supply… I want to clarify to the people that this is not a load shedding, this is a regulated shutdown,” Sangma said in a video statement on Thursday.

The shutdowns are necessary to implement the RDSS scheme, which involves replacing or installing 2600 new transformers, replacing 3800 km of old wires, and laying 4300 km of new lines.

“We are ensuring that we minimize it and we also ensure that we communicate to people, but there is a communication gap where the message is not going to the grassroots,” Sangma acknowledged.

He has requested the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) and the power department to improve their communication system to inform people about the shutdowns on time.

“I want to clarify that this is a necessary procedure, there will be slight inconvenience, but this is being done for the larger interest of more stable power in the future and for the larger interest of the people and the state,” Sangma said.