Recently, the Meghalaya High Court criticized the State and its electricity regulatory body, Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), for regular power cuts in the State, admittedly due to an imbalance in demand and supply.

While hearing a PIL in this regard, a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh observed,

"Electricity is no longer a luxury. It is the State’s responsibility to ensure that there is adequate availability of electricity as per demand and plans should be in place to meet the increased future demands".

 "The power has resumed within a few seconds, but it may be a sign that the State ought to give an adequate answer," it said.

Chairman of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited, submitted that the Court's monthly demand of power is to the extent of 200 million units and the availability is only 88 million units.

He further submitted that such shortfall is because of a power plant in Tripura being shut down for technical reasons and the State finding no alternative source of power.

However, the Court was of the view this cannot be an excuse to justify interruptions in power supply. It suggested the State to may buy power from the open grid and enter into arrangements with power companies. It has now sought independent affidavits from both the State and MeECL, indicating the immediate, short-term, and long-term measures to address the power crisis, along with a plan of action during accidental shutdowns of any power plant and alternative sources that may be available

The court further stressed the need for equitable distribution of load-shedding hours and alternative arrangements for essential services such as hospitals, airports, and key installations.