Vij rolls out power reforms for 24×7 supply in Haryana

In a bid to reform Haryana’s energy sector, Energy Minister Anil Vij has issued a slew of directives to the state’s power distribution companies (discoms), aiming to ensure round-the-clock electricity with full voltage across the state.

Highlighting the issue of billing errors, Vij said, “39,477 wrong bills were generated by UHBVN and 18,240 by DHBVN. These will be corrected within a month.” He said an online portal will be launched to monitor pending electricity theft cases and allow payments, including SMS-based options. An awareness campaign will also target rural areas to promote timely bill payments.

The minister revealed that UHBVN has Rs 538.13 crore and DHBVN Rs 1,500 crore in outstanding dues. Targets have been set for recovery: UHBVN will recover Rs 100 crore in April, Rs 200 crore in May, and Rs 238 crore by June 2025; DHBVN aims for Rs 300 crore in April and Rs 600 crore each in May and June 2025.

Vij stressed better coordination among departments for recovery from government defaulters. Notices will be issued to old PDCO (permanent disconnection) defaulters — those owing over Rs 80,000 (UHBVN) and Rs 1 lakh (DHBVN) — under the Land Recovery Act. He also ordered correction of inflated or duplicate bills in the R-APDRP system.

The minister directed field staff to trace consumers with new connections at the same premises and ensure no defaulters remain in industrial, NDS, and urban DS categories. Aadhaar-linking for domestic consumers will be mandatory.

“Bijli Adalats must be held every Tuesday to address billing grievances,” Vij said. He also called for video-equipped theft-checking teams, timely transformer replacements, upgraded infrastructure, and better consumer facilities at offices.

Haryana Tribune