Haryana’s peak electricity demand during the current year is expected to reach around 16,454 MW, which can be comfortably met with the available capacity.
This was observed during the review meeting chaired by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh.
The agenda was to assess the performance of Haryana’s power utilities and various centrally-sponsored schemes. Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij was also present at the meeting.
Looking ahead, the state’s peak demand is projected to rise to approximately 19,481 MW by 2029-30 and long-term planning is already under way to meet future energy requirements.
Officials informed that Haryana currently has over 16,552 MW of contracted power capacity. Of this, approximately 9,929.92 MW comes from thermal, nuclear and gas-based sources, while 6,622.58 MW is sourced from hydro, solar, wind, biomass and other renewable energy resources.
Officials informed that the aggregate line losses of Haryana’s power utilities, which stood at around 34 per cent in 2013-14, have declined substantially over the years.
On the success of the ‘Mhara Gaon-Jagmag Gaon’ scheme, it was revealed that 6,117 villages in the state are currently receiving 24-hour electricity supply.
Earlier, only a limited number of villages enjoyed round-the-clock power, whereas Haryana is now among the leading states in ensuring electricity availability in rural areas.
Khattar observed that the power utilities must adopt modern technologies and implement target-oriented schemes and projects to ensure uninterrupted, high-quality and reliable electricity supply to the consumers.
Haryana has made significant progress in the power sector and should continue efforts toward achieving near-zero power losses.
He directed officials to take effective measures to minimise the gap between electricity billing and actual power supplied.
Reviewing the implementation of the prepaid metering system, he directed that it be introduced in a phased manner: the first phase should cover government offices, government buildings, and residential premises of government employees. Subsequently, consumers with connected loads above 10 kilowatts and other consumer categories should be brought under the system.
On the Smart Metering Programme, the Union Minister said that rapid expansion of smart meters would enhance transparency and efficiency in the power sector while helping reduce losses.
On the occasion, Vij said that all new electricity consumers in Haryana would be provided smart meters equipped with advanced technology that can be integrated with solar energy systems.
The minister also reviewed the works being undertaken under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in Gurugram and Faridabad and directed officials to complete all pending projects within the prescribed timelines.
The meeting also reviewed the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Officials informed that Haryana has set a target of installing 2.20 lakh rooftop solar systems during the current year, of which nearly 86,000 systems have already been installed.
The minister directed that special priority be given to small and middle-income consumers under the scheme so that a larger number of households can benefit from solar energy and reduce their electricity expenses. He emphasised that promoting clean energy is the need of the hour and that public participation is essential for its success.
The meeting also reviewed the PM-KUSUM Scheme and other major energy projects and programmes. Necessary directions were issued to ensure their effective implementation.
