ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND SELF RELIANCE.

•Sikkim has been declared 100 per cent electrified state in 1995 as per the definition of Rural Electrification Corporation of India.

•Out of the 8000 MW potential of the state, a total of 5148 MW capacity hydel power generation will be added by the end of 11th Five Year Plan. 22 new hydro power projects have been awarded to various power developers.

•The Diesel Power House at Gangtok was upgraded to 4 MW from the previous capacity of 1.7 MW in 1998.

•60 MW Rangit hydel project in West Sikkim was commissioned in 1999.

•2 MW Kalez Khola power project in Dentam in West Sikkim and 3 MW Rabomchu power project in North Sikkim were commissioned in 1995-96 and 1998,
respectively.

•132 KV transmission line from Rangit to Melli was completed in 2006. Construction of similar transmission from Sagbari, Gyalshing to Pelling and Ravangla is currently under execution. Another 132/66 KV sub station LLHP near Gangtok has been commissioned.

NHPC Power Project Housing Colony

•By 2010, all the 22 power projects of the state will be completed. From these projects the Government of Sikkim will get 12 % of free power. This is likely to meet the power shortfall in the State and will generate lot of revenues.

• The state will be earning Rs. 600 crore revenue from these projects.

•100 % of the jobs generated in these power projects are being given to the local people depending upon their qualifications. All works which can be carried out by local contras being given to them.

• After completing the installation of electronics meters, the probability of power pilferage has been totally removed. To help the people of the villages, Sikkim Navikaraniya Urja Vika Agency (SREDA) is trying to develop Bio-gas energy, solar energy for lighting and heating water. Power Parks have been established in West, South and North Districts of Sikkim. Under Rural electrification program non-Conventional energy sources like, solar, Bio-mass, wind and Micro-Hydel units are being developed.