Tripura has once again emerged as a frontrunner in India's energy transformation, earning national recognition for its reforms and strategic developments in the power sector.

At the North-Eastern and Eastern States Power Ministers’ Conference held in Gangtok, the state, led by its Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath, received widespread acclaim for its achievements and progressive initiatives. The high-level conference, convened on April 26, 2025, was attended by Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, along with the Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang and energy ministers from several North-Eastern and Eastern states.

The Tripura delegation, headed by Ratan Lal Nath, included Power Secretary Udayan Sinha, TSECL Managing Director Biswajit Bose, Financial Director Sarvjit Singh Dogra, and Ranjan Debbarma, GM of Tripura Power Transmission Limited.

During his address at the conference, Ratan Lal Nath emphasized the remarkable strides Tripura has made under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), particularly in power distribution and infrastructure modernization. His speech resonated as a clear representation of the state's dedication to reliable, transparent, and consumer-friendly energy governance.

Nath proudly announced that Tripura now holds the top position among North-Eastern states and ranks third across the nation in implementing RDSS targets. He attributed this success to the coordinated efforts of the Power Department, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), and other key stakeholders. The reduction in Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses was specifically cited as a testament to the state's efficient management and commitment to national reform mandates. “The journey of Tripura in the power sector has not been accidental but a result of focused planning, visionary leadership, and relentless implementation,” Nath stated.

Tripura has also emerged as a national leader in smart meter installation, a key milestone in India’s digital transformation of energy consumption monitoring. The state ranks first in the North-East and third nationally for the installation of smart meters in households—a vital step toward building a modern and transparent power ecosystem.

Nath reiterated Tripura’s commitment to expanding smart and prepaid metering systems, aligning with the Union Ministry's vision for energy accountability and consumer empowerment. Echoing these sentiments, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal praised Tripura's leadership in this field, calling the progress “commendable” and “a model for other states to follow.”

Calling the conference a “historic and people-centric initiative,” Ratan Lal Nath applauded the central government’s efforts to conduct a seasonal review of power management, especially ahead of the summer months when peak demand rises sharply.

“This government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Power Minister Manohar Lal, is taking decisions not in isolation but in tune with public needs,” Nath remarked. “Such proactive governance was unseen in previous regimes, and it is this new mindset that is transforming India's power landscape.” The Minister emphasized that Tripura's power infrastructure is well-equipped to handle summer demand. “Our peak summer requirement stands at 370 MW, and the state has secured 372 MW—ensuring uninterrupted power supply even during peak hours,” he said. “Except for natural calamities or rare mechanical failures, there is no reason for load-shedding in Tripura.”

While the achievements were applauded, Nath also highlighted the need for continued central support to further reinforce Tripura's power infrastructure. He advocated for equity in development funding, especially for smaller states like Tripura that are showing proactive initiative despite limited resources.

One of the key proposals presented by Tripura’s delegation was the ₹1,331.26 crore infrastructure development package recommended by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) for implementation by 2031-32. The plan includes the establishment of five new 132 kV substations, eleven new 132 kV transmission lines spanning 232 circuit kilometers (CKM), expansion of seven existing substations, and up gradation of thirteen 132 kV transmission lines (262.14 CKM). While this ambitious plan is set to boost the state’s transmission capacity significantly, Nath cautioned about the risk of increased consumer tariffs under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) and Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) models. He strongly advocated for the entire project to be centrally funded. “We urge the central government to approve 100% grant-based funding for these projects to ensure equitable access to quality power and to protect end consumers from additional tariff burdens,” Nath stressed.

Another crucial proposal put forth was the immediate allocation of funds for upgrading SCADA and Energy Management System (EMS) infrastructure across all Load Dispatch Centers in the North-Eastern region. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this, submitted via NERPC, proposes a ₹117.30 crore upgrade specifically for Tripura. The state has requested this allocation to be released under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF), aiming to enhance operational efficiency, grid stability, and real-time monitoring in line with national standards.

Tripura’s vision for sustainable energy was also spotlighted at the conference, particularly its ongoing efforts to integrate solar power into its energy mix. Nath emphasized the state's commitment to renewable energy, noting that various solar initiatives have not only reduced dependence on traditional sources but also paved the way for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Union Minister Manohar Lal applauded these efforts, stating that Tripura's green energy vision is in perfect alignment with India’s broader goal of transitioning to a low-carbon economy.

Throughout the conference, Ratan Lal Nath presented himself as a passionate and articulate advocate for Tripura’s energy future. His active engagement, strategic proposals, and transparent presentation of challenges and solutions demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of both ground realities and national goals. In his concluding remarks, Nath reaffirmed that Tripura will continue to align with the Centre’s vision of 24x7 reliable and affordable power. He also stressed the need for technological innovation, policy alignment, and financial support to maintain the momentum. “We are not just aiming for self-sufficiency in electricity—we are working towards a smarter, greener, and more resilient power infrastructure for the people of Tripura,” he declared.

The North-Eastern Power Ministers’ Conference in Gangtok marked a defining moment for regional energy collaboration and strategic planning. With states like Tripura leading by example, the pathway to an integrated, efficient, and consumer-focused power ecosystem for the North-East appears both promising and attainable.

At the heart of this momentum stands Ratan Lal Nath—a leader whose clear vision, proactive leadership, and unwavering commitment are not only transforming Tripura’s power landscape but also setting a benchmark for the entire region.