Sikkim has officially agreed to join the North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC), marking the end of a 16-year push for better energy cooperation. The decision, announced by Meghalaya Power Minister and NERPC Chairman AT Mondal, is expected to reshape how electricity is shared across India’s northeastern states.
Sikkim, though part of the Eastern Regional Power Committee (ERPC) since 2005, has long been a member of the North Eastern Council (NEC), which funds regional infrastructure projects. This move aligns Sikkim’s energy policies with its geographic and economic ties to the Northeast.
Why This Took 16 Years
The first formal request to include Sikkim in NERPC came in 2007 during the committee’s 4th meeting. Back then, officials argued that since Sikkim already shared development funds with other northeastern states, it also made sense to integrate its power grid.
The proposal resurfaced in 2010, but bureaucratic delays and legal hurdles kept Sikkim under ERPC. The final push came after the October 2023 Teesta River floods, which damaged key hydropower plants, exposing the need for stronger regional energy cooperation.
What Changes Now?
1. More Efficient Power Sharing
Sikkim is a hydropower giant, producing over 2,000 MW from projects like the 1,200 MW Teesta-III and 510 MW Teesta-V. However, floods and technical issues have often left these plants underutilized. By joining NERPC, Sikkim can easily trade electricity with Assam, Meghalaya, and other states facing power shortages.
2. Faster Recovery for Damaged Projects
Last year’s floods crippled Sikkim’s Teesta-III, cutting off 12% of the state’s power supply. NERPC membership means quicker access to emergency funds and shared repair resources. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is already funding a $186 million project to make power lines in the region more flood-resistant.
3. Cheaper, More Reliable Electricity
NERPC states like Meghalaya have reduced power losses from 32% to 17% in five years. Sikkim could see similar improvements, lowering costs for homes and businesses. The ADB’s push for 770 km of new power lines will also help remote villages get stable electricity.
Challenges Ahead
1. Fixing Broken Infrastructure
The Teesta-III dam, Sikkim’s largest power plant, has remained offline since the 2023 floods. Restoring it fully could take until late 2024. Smaller projects like the 300 MW Panan hydro plant are stalled due to funding gaps.
2. Balancing Local and Regional Needs
Some in Sikkim worry that joining NERPC means losing control over their power resources. The state government insists it will still prioritise local needs, but must now coordinate with neighbouring states on distribution.
3. Environmental Concerns
New projects like the 520 MW Teesta Stage-IV face protests over potential ecological damage. NERPC will have to ensure future expansions follow strict green guidelines.
What’s Next for Northeast India’s Power Grid?
Short-Term (2024–2026):
- Reopening Teesta-III and Dikchu hydropower plants.
- Expanding flood-proof power lines under the ADB’s project.
Long-Term (2030 and Beyond):
- A unified “smart grid” connecting all eight northeastern states.
- More solar and wind projects to reduce reliance on hydropower.
Conclusion: A Stronger, Smarter Grid
Sikkim’s entry into NERPC is more than a bureaucratic change—it’s a chance to build a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable power network for millions. It could become a model for other regions struggling with energy shortages if successful.
As Meghalaya Power Minister AT Mondal said, “Regional integration isn’t just policy—it’s survival.”
