The state government has terminated its contract with FEDCO, a private company responsible for electricity services, due to recurring failures in maintaining uninterrupted power supply, Power Minister Ratanlal Nath announced on Friday. Speaking at a press conference, Nath explained that the government had entered into a 10-year agreement with FEDCO on July 1, 2020, with the goal of ensuring high-quality electricity services for consumers. However, the company failed to meet the expectations outlined in the contract.
According to Nath, FEDCO’s Division 5 was tasked with delivering customer service in a specific manner but fell short of their obligations. The company also neglected the regular maintenance of electrical services, leading to numerous customer complaints. Investigations confirmed the validity of these complaints, prompting the government to take action.
On March 4, a notice was issued to FEDCO, instructing them to improve their services. Despite this, the situation only worsened, leaving the state with no choice but to cancel the contract, Nath said. The Power Minister emphasized that the state government, being accountable to its citizens, could not overlook these lapses in service.
FEDCO had been responsible for managing electricity services in 10 sub-divisions: Sonamura, Sabroom, Ambassa, Gandacherra, Manu, Khowai, Mohanpur, Hezamara, Jirania, and Bishalgarh, covering a total of 1,44,920 customers. Following the termination of the contract, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) will assume control of electricity services in these areas. The 370 employees working under FEDCO will continue their roles, ensuring continuity in electricity-related services.
The Minister also addressed the recent floods, which had severely impacted the power infrastructure in the state. He reported that 3,599 kilometres of transmission lines, 5,397 electric poles, 2,616 distribution transformers, and five power transformers had been damaged. In addition, 2,730 kilometres of PVC lines were affected by the floods.
Secretary Abhishek Singh and Sarvajit Singh Dogra, Director of Finance at TSECL, were also present at the press conference, where they reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring and improving electricity services across the state.
