Repair of thermal power plants, promotion of solar energy and effective implementation of the Centre’s plans were discussed.
Under section 86 (2) of the Electricity Act, 2003, HERC provides technical suggestions to the state government to improve the power sector.
Pawan Sharma
Chandigarh, Nov 16: Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) Chairman Nand Lal Sharma met state Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini on Friday evening. This was the first meeting of the HERC Chairman with the Chief Minister after the new government assumed office.
Many important issues such as power sector reform, promotion of solar energy, repair of thermal power plants and effective implementation of Central Government plans related to power sector were discussed during the meeting. The importance of reducing aggregate commercial and transmission (AT&C) losses was also discussed, with emphasis on increasing power distribution capacity, reducing revenue losses and ensuring more reliable power supply in Haryana.
It may be noted that under section 86(2) of the Electricity Act, 2003, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission provides technical advice to the State Government on issues such as restructuring, restructuring, generation, transmission and the distribution of the electrical industry in the State. In this context, the HERC president met the Chief Minister. During it, emphasis was placed on the need to repair thermal plants in Haryana, promote solar energy and implement rooftop solar systems more effectively. Discussions were also held on the revolutionary implementation of the Prime Minister’s “Har Ghar Surya Yojana”.
Sharma told the Chief Minister that when he was CMD of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, he had played a role in preparing this scheme in collaboration with the then Union Power Minister. He said this plan will be a milestone in achieving the Government of India’s target of producing 500 GW of green energy by 2030. Currently, his role as HERC Chairman is to create better regulations in the power sector and ensure their effective implementation.
Sharma spoke about “Har Ghar Surya Yojana” which is a scheme of the Government of India, under which free electricity will be provided by installing solar panels in houses. This scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024. This scheme will work to bring light to the lives of the poor. Antyodaya families receive a subsidy for the installation of solar panels. This can save the central government around Rs 75,000 crore every year.
In addition to this, the meeting also discussed the current challenges of the electricity sector and its solutions. On July 31 this year, the maximum electricity consumption in the state reached 14,662 MW, which was successfully completed. At present, the state has an installed capacity of 14,943.92 MW of electricity and the number of electricity consumers has increased to approximately 81 lakh.
