The Association of Power Engineers Nagaland (APEN) held its general conference on  May 21 at the conference hall of the Engineer-in-Chief (Power), Kohima. The programme was graced by K.G. Kenye, Minister, Power and Parliamentary Affairs, Nagaland as the special guest and attended by Secretary, Power Asangla Imti, IAS. The programme was chaired by Engineer Neiyie Neikha, Vice President, APEN and commenced after an invocation prayer by Engineer Moameren, Superintending Engineer (T).

Minister of Power, K.G. Kenye, thanked the Power Engineers for carrying out their assignment faithfully with commitment and dedication. He said that in other States, billing is given priority as they are accustomed to uninterrupted power supply, whereas in Nagaland restoration of power supply is prioritized over reduction of bills and energy conservation. He said that there is need to realize electricity bills as per the actual consumption as many consumers are billed on minimum. Due to this reason there is no feeling of responsibility to conserve electricity vis-à-vis reduction of electricity bills which has consequently made it challenging for implementation of smart prepaid meters. Outlining that the Rooftop Solar PMSG-MBY is a noble initiative by the Government of India, Kenye elaborated that this scheme will benefit the consumers and reduce the electricity bills. He further stressed on the importance of developing generation projects in the state as Nagaland is a power deficient state. He encouraged the Power Engineers to give topmost priority and co-operation for development of generation projects locally so that Nagaland can become a power sufficient State.

In his address, Engineer Kasho Chishi, President of APEN urged the association member to retrospect and remind themselves of the solemn preamble to cultivate and preserve the rich Engineering ethics and Engineering Culture while discharging their duties. He also stressed on the need to be aware that they have been vested with huge responsibility that comes with accountability. He highlighted the need to keep updated with technological innovations and at the same time develop clear roadmaps in terms of resource adequacy in all the sectors of Generation, Transmission & Distribution. The need for reforms and re-structuring of the State Power Sector in order to deliver quality service to the people was also stressed, where Chishi also added that the regular cadre reviews are required for establishing an efficient workforce of the Department.

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Speaking on the occasion, Asangla Imti, Secretary (Power) expressed that Power Engineers in the State are regarded in high esteem for their proficiency and work culture and encouraged the members to continue with their hard work. She highlighted that with technological advancement and the world moving forward at such a high pace, it has become necessary to change our mindset and do away with manual system of working. She challenged the engineers to work on mission mode for implementation of Smart Prepaid metering under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and Rooftop Solar PMSG-MBY which are beneficial to the consumers.

During the conference, a new team of office bearers were inducted for the term 2025-2028. The new team of Office Bearers are:

President – Engineer Mhonlumo Kikon

Vice President – Engineer Kikrusenuo Chielie

General Secretary – Engineer Y. Akito Sema

Joint Secretaries – Engineer Kekhriesalhou Keyho and Engineer Sungkumlemba Jamir

Treasurer – Engineer Namheu Khate Zeliang

PRO – Engineer Neiteii Mero.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Engineer N. Myingthungo Ngullie.