The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has issued a stern directive to the state's power distribution companies, demanding a significant reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses and the immediate implementation of a 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply across all urban feeders. The orders came during a crucial hearing on the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petitions held in Chandigarh on Thursday.
Revenue Gap Raises Alarm Despite Projected Surplus
The hearing, presided over by HERC Chairman Nand Lal Sharma along with Members Mukesh Garg and Shiv Kumar, reviewed the ARR petitions filed by Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). The DISCOMs projected a total revenue requirement of ₹51,156.71 crore for the financial year 2026–27, anticipating a surplus of ₹1,605.16 crore, which would bring total revenue to ₹52,761.87 crore.
However, a major point of concern emerged when it was revealed that after adjusting for the revenue deficit of FY 2024–25, an overall revenue gap of ₹4,484.71 crore still persists. This substantial shortfall alarmed the HERC Bench, which reprimanded officials for not heeding previous warnings.
Key Directives for Power Distribution Reform
The Commission laid down a clear roadmap for the power utilities. Chairman Nand Lal Sharma directed that the provision of 24-hour electricity supply, currently available in 3,393 villages under UHBVN and 2,517 under DHBVN, must be extended to all remaining villages without delay.
The reduction of AT&C losses was declared a non-negotiable priority. The Bench instructed that these losses must be curtailed at all costs and should not be allowed to increase under any circumstances. To improve financial health, DISCOMs were advised to secure loans at lower interest rates and to minimize the gap between the average cost of supply and the average revenue realized.
On the technical front, UHBVN reported distribution losses of 9.33%, while DHBVN's stood at 10.26%. Emphasizing a shift towards sustainable energy, the Commission also sought detailed information on the power received from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and pushed for the promotion of solar and green energy sources.
Stakeholder Participation and Political Criticism
The hearing saw active participation from a large number of electricity consumers and stakeholders across all categories. It is understood that the DISCOMs have proposed a tariff increase, though the exact quantum is subject to the regulator's approval.
The proceedings were not without controversy. Senior INLD leader and former finance minister Sampat Singh, who was the first to file objections to the ARR, strongly criticized HERC. He alleged that the regulatory body was acting as an "approver of the government" rather than fulfilling its role as an autonomous statutory authority.
The hearing was attended by UHBVN Managing Director Mani Ram Sharma, DHBVN Managing Director Vikram Singh, and senior officials from the power utilities and the Commission, who are now tasked with executing these directives to transform Haryana's power distribution landscape.
