Haryana to Begin Smart Meter Rollout from August 31
Manohar Lal Reviews Power Sector Performance, Pushes for Financially Viable DISCOMs
- Haryana commits to begin smart metering works from August 31
- Union Power Minister reviews state’s power sector performance
- Focus on reducing losses, improving revenue and strengthening infrastructure
- Centre urges faster implementation of PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 2nd June: Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Tuesday reviewed the performance of Haryana’s power sector and announced that the state will commence on-ground smart metering works from August 31.
The review meeting, held in Chandigarh, was attended by Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij, senior officials of the state government, representatives of the Ministry of Power and officials from power sector public sector undertakings.
During the meeting, Manohar Lal reviewed the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and assessed the operational and financial performance of the state’s power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
Emphasising the need for financially sustainable utilities, the Union Minister said electricity should be treated as an economic good and stressed the importance of operating power utilities on sound commercial principles.
He called for reducing the cost of power procurement, rationalising expenditure and increasing revenue generation. While acknowledging improvements in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, he urged the state to further enhance performance in this area.
The minister also highlighted the need for timely settlement of dues and subsidies owed by government departments through automated payment systems.
Reviewing the progress of smart metering, Manohar Lal advised the state to expedite the award of contracts and ensure timely implementation. Haryana assured the Centre that field-level smart metering work would begin from August 31.
He also recommended a phased rollout of prepaid smart meters, starting with government departments and employees, followed by high-consumption consumers with connected loads exceeding 10 kilowatts. He suggested introducing incentives to encourage voluntary adoption.
The Union Minister directed the state to prioritise all loss-reduction projects and ensure their completion within specified timelines. He also reviewed resource adequacy and intra-state transmission planning, urging Haryana to resolve pending issues and align future capacity additions with rising electricity demand.
Progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also reviewed. The state was asked to prepare a focused action plan to expand consumer participation in the rooftop solar scheme, which is expected to lower electricity costs for households.
Manohar Lal said sustained reforms and effective implementation would strengthen the financial health of Haryana’s DISCOMs and make the state’s power sector more self-reliant.
He assured the Haryana government of the Centre’s continued support for the development of the state’s power infrastructure and energy ecosystem.
Power Minister Anil Vij said the state government would take all necessary steps to implement the sanctioned projects and improve the overall performance of the power sector.
