Powering progress and illuminating homes, Nagaland’s dedicated electricity professionals recently gathered for the Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) general conference. The insightful event, held on Wednesday at the Engineer-in-Chief (Power) conference hall in Kohima, brought together key figures to discuss the future of the state’s energy landscape.
The conference was honored by the presence of K.G. Kenye, Nagaland’s Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, who served as the special guest. He was joined by Asangla Imti, IAS, Secretary for Power.
Minister Kenye’s address resonated with the challenges and opportunities facing Nagaland’s power sector. While commending the engineers for their unwavering commitment, he drew a contrast with other states where uninterrupted power supply allows for a strong focus on billing. In Nagaland, he noted, the immediate priority remains restoring power during outages.
He also addressed the prevalent issue of minimum billing, highlighting how it can hinder responsible electricity consumption and complicate the implementation of crucial smart prepaid meters.
Looking ahead, Minister Kenye strongly advocated for local power generation projects to tackle Nagaland’s energy deficit. He emphasized the need for the state to become power-sufficient, urging engineers to actively cooperate in achieving this vital goal. The Minister also underlined the benefits of the Rooftop Solar PMSG-MBY scheme, a Government of India initiative designed to help consumers reduce their electricity bills.
Er. Kasho Chishi, President of APEN, called upon members to reflect on their responsibilities and uphold the highest standards of engineering ethics and professionalism. He stressed the critical importance of continuous learning and strategic planning across the generation, transmission, and distribution sectors. Furthermore, Er. Chishi advocated for reforms and restructuring within Nagaland’s power sector, along with regular cadre reviews to ensure an efficient workforce.
Secretary Asangla Imti lauded the engineers for their competence and dedication, encouraging them to embrace technological advancements and move beyond manual systems. She underscored the significance of implementing smart prepaid metering under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and the Rooftop Solar scheme, both of which promise significant benefits for consumers.
A key highlight of the conference was the induction of a new team of office bearers for the 2025–2028 term. The incoming leadership includes:
* President: Er. Mhonlumo Kikon
* Vice President: Er. Kikrusenuo Chielie
* General Secretary: Er. Y. Akito Sema
* Joint Secretaries: Er. Kekhriesalhou Keyho and Er. Sungkumlemba Jamir
* Treasurer: Er. Namheu Khate Zeliang
* PRO: Er. Neiteii Mero
The conference, expertly chaired by Er. Neiyie Neikha, Vice President of APEN, and beginning with an invocation prayer by Er. Moameren, Superintending Engineer (T), concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er. N. Myingthungo Ngullie.
This gathering of Nagaland’s power engineers marks a crucial step in the state’s journey towards a more robust, efficient, and self-sufficient energy future.
The recent APEN general conference was far more than just a formal gathering; it served as a powerful platform for introspection, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to Nagaland’s energy future. The candid discussions led by Minister K.G. Kenye and Secretary Asangla Imti highlighted the immediate challenges, such as the need to shift from reactive outage restoration to proactive, efficient billing practices. More importantly, it illuminated the path forward: embracing smart grid technologies, like smart prepaid meters, and strategically investing in local power generation projects. These aren’t just technical upgrades; they represent a fundamental shift towards a more reliable, sustainable, and consumer-friendly power infrastructure for all of Nagaland. The enthusiasm and dedication expressed by the engineers, coupled with the clear directives from the state’s leadership, set a promising precedent. With a fresh team of office bearers now at the helm of APEN, poised to lead until 2028, the focus remains firmly on driving tangible change. This collective resolve to overcome existing hurdles and usher in an era of power self-sufficiency underscores a pivotal moment for the state. As Nagaland continues its journey, the efforts of these dedicated power professionals will be instrumental in illuminating every home and powering every ambition, ultimately contributing to a brighter and more prosperous future for all its citizens.