Haryana Power Department Intensifies Recovery Drive for Massive Rs 8,247 Crore Dues
In a significant move to address financial strain, the Haryana power department has launched a comprehensive recovery and enforcement campaign targeting mounting unpaid electricity bills. Power Minister Anil Vij has issued directives to officials to expedite the recovery of a staggering Rs 8,247 crore in pending dues from defaulting consumers and government departments, emphasizing strict accountability for any delays in the process.
Breakdown of Outstanding Dues Across Power Utilities
The total outstanding amount is distributed between the state's two major power distribution companies:
- Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN): Owes Rs 3,573 crore in unpaid bills.
- Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN): Faces dues of Rs 4,674 crore.
Additionally, various government departments collectively owe an extra Rs 585 crore, further exacerbating the financial pressure on the utilities. This recovery initiative comes amid high operational costs and severe revenue challenges that have plagued Haryana's power sector.
Financial Strain and Regulatory Directives
Officials revealed that UHBVN and DHBVN manage annual revenues amounting to tens of thousands of crores, yet persistent large-scale defaults—particularly from industrial, agricultural, and government consumers—continue to severely strain cash flows. In a related development, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has decided to keep power tariffs unchanged for the financial year 2026-27, despite both discoms projecting a combined loss of approximately Rs 4,484 crore.
HERC has instructed the distribution companies to enhance operational efficiency and prioritize the recovery of pending dues as a key strategy to mitigate financial losses.
Identifying Major Defaulters and Enforcement Measures
The DHBVN jurisdiction, which includes major industrial and urban hubs such as Gurugram and Faridabad, accounts for a substantial portion of high-value defaults. Authorities have pinpointed a mix of institutional, industrial, and high-consumption users among the largest defaulters. One notable case involves the Maharaja Agrasen Hisar Airport, flagged for dues nearing Rs 94 lakh, making it one of the biggest defaulters in the Hisar circle.
An official stated, "Defaulters who have obtained fresh connections without clearing previous dues will face strict action, including disconnection and legal proceedings." This underscores the government's firm stance on ensuring compliance.
Crackdown on Electricity Theft in High-Incidence Districts
Parallel to the dues recovery effort, the government has intensified its crackdown on electricity theft, a persistent issue causing significant revenue losses. Data from enforcement drives indicates that Bhiwani, Palwal, and Gurgaon have emerged as the top theft-prone districts, accounting for nearly 43% of detected cases. Other areas with high incidence include Faridabad, Hisar, Sirsa, Nuh, and Rewari.
Urban centers like Gurgaon and Faridabad frequently report cases of meter tampering and load manipulation, while rural belts such as Bhiwani and Palwal see widespread direct hooking and unauthorized usage. Minister Vij has mandated that all pending theft cases must be presented in court within three months. Officials noted that thousands of FIRs have been registered in recent years, with hundreds of arrests made during ongoing enforcement drives.
Solar Power Initiative for Government Buildings
In a parallel reform measure aimed at promoting sustainable energy, Minister Anil Vij announced that all government buildings in Haryana will be equipped with solar power systems within one year. To support this ambitious initiative, the government has established a Rs 200-crore revolving fund and directed officials to maximize coverage under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, with a particular focus on benefiting low-income households.
This solar push represents a strategic shift towards renewable energy, complementing the financial recovery efforts to ensure long-term stability in the state's power sector.
