News
SMEC
adds
to
Power
project
portfolio
with
new
appointment
in
Meghalaya,
India
SMEC has been appointed by Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), Government of Meghalaya, as Project Implementation Consultants for the Meghalaya Power Sector Improvement Program in Meghalaya, India.

The Meghalaya Power Sector Improvement Program is a power strengthening, renovation and system improvement program, which will be undertaken by MePDCL. The areas of Meghalaya targeted in this project have ageing power assets resulting in poor reliability and high repair and maintenance costs. The project is funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Meghalaya will provide counterpart funding for the project.

The project also includes a $2 million grant from the Meghalaya Renewable Development Agency to support the implementation of solar battery hybrid mini grids in three remote villages and schools, to improve their access to power and provide income generation activities for rural communities. A unique concept becoming increasingly popular in India, solar powered hybrid mini grids offer various benefits, for example they can be used in rural areas, have lower environmental impact, are relatively quick and easy to implement in areas without electricity, and are often more efficient and cost-effective than other types of power systems.

SMEC will provide Project Implementation consultancy services to MePDCL for the monitoring and program management of the overall project, including project planning and monitoring, design development, contract management, procurement management, financial management, environmental management and safeguards, and project health and safety management.