Imphal, Jun 01: In a major relief to football-crazy Manipuris, chronic power shortage currently besieging the State, would not come in the way of watching their favourite stars display their skills during the World Cup in Germany as regular power supply during all the matches has been assured.

If necessary electricity supply would be augmented from the Heavy Fuel Power Project to ensure football enthusiasts enjoy their favourite game on television, assured a top official source.

Stating that special arrangement is being made to maintain constant power supply whenever World Cup 2006 matches are scheduled, the source also expressed delight that Manipur has received abundant rainfall in the past few days which is a helpful element in generating more power.

speculating that requirement of power during World Cup matches might necessitate a 5 megawatt addition to the present electricity consumption of 80 megawatt, the source also reminded that currently load-shedding is being regulated to distribute available power output.

Conveying that purchase of extra power is highly improbable at this juncture, the official source appealed to the general public for minimal use of available power by switching off bulbs, refrigerators, heaters and other electrical gadgets other than the television sets on match days.

Asserting that the special arrangement for power supply during the World Cup would cover the entire district headquarters, the source further listed 1.7 lakhs consumers in Government record while around 2 lakhs are using electricity through illegal connections.

As pre-emptive measure from power snag, the Leimakhong Heavy Fuel Power Project is being readied to generate about 10-15 megawatt, affirmed the source.

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