Manohar Lal Reviews Haryana Power Sector, Pushes Smart Metering Plus Loss Reduction With Timely Subsidy Payments

Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal has reviewed the matters relating to the power sector for the State of Haryana at Chandigarh recently.

The meeting was attended by Anil Vij, Minister for Power, Government of Haryana, along with senior officials from the State Government, Ministry of Power, Government of India and Power Sector CPSEs.

The meeting started with Manohar Lal highlighting the key areas where the State Power department and the State Power sector PSUs could work on with a detailed action plan. Matters relating to the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and operational and financial parameters of the DISCOMs were discussed.

The Union Minister emphasised that electricity is an economic good and that the utilities must be operated on sound commercial principles, with a focus on reducing the cost of power purchase, rationalising expenses and augmenting revenue. He noted that while AT&C losses had improved consistently over the years, however, it should be ensured that the performance improves further.

He highlighted the need for timely settlement of Government department dues and subsidies through an automated payment mechanism.

He reviewed the progress of smart metering and advised expeditious award of works. The State committed to start smart metering works on ground from 31st August.

He further emphasised the need for phased rollout of prepaid smart metering, beginning with Government consumers and employees, followed by high-end consumers with load more than 10kW, with appropriate incentive mechanisms for voluntary conversion.

Manohar Lal advised the State to undertake all loss reduction works on priority with time-bound completion targets. He also reviewed the status of resource adequacy and intra-State Transmission planning and advised the State to resolve outstanding issues and ensure that capacity addition keeps pace with demand growth.

Progress under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also reviewed and the State was directed to prepare a focussed action plan for expanding consumer enrolment under the scheme. This will help reduce the power costs of these consumers.

Manohar Lal noted that sincere efforts will go a long way in making the State DISCOMs financially viable and the State power sector self-sufficient. He assured the State Government of India’s continued support and cooperation for the overall development of the State.

Anil Vij, Minister for Power, Government of Haryana, assured that the State shall take all necessary measures for implementation of the sanctioned works and improving the overall performance of the State’s power sector.