Khattar Reviews Haryana Power Sector, Pushes Smart Meter Rollout

New Delhi, Jun 3 (KNN) Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reviewed the performance of Haryana’s power sector during a meeting in Chandigarh with state officials and representatives of power sector public sector undertakings.

The meeting, attended by Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij, focused on the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the operational and financial performance of distribution companies (DISCOMs), smart metering, transmission planning and power sector reforms.

Manohar Lal stressed the need for utilities to operate on commercial principles by reducing power purchase costs, rationalising expenditure and improving revenue collection. He also called for timely settlement of government department dues and subsidies through automated payment mechanisms.

Reviewing progress under the smart metering programme, the minister urged faster implementation, with the Haryana government committing to begin on-ground smart meter installation work from August 31. 

He also recommended a phased rollout of prepaid smart meters, starting with government consumers, employees and high-load consumers.

The minister directed the state to prioritise loss-reduction projects with time-bound targets and reviewed resource adequacy and intra-state transmission planning to ensure power infrastructure keeps pace with rising demand.

Progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also reviewed, with the state advised to prepare a focused strategy to increase consumer enrolment under the scheme and help reduce household electricity costs.

The Union Minister assured continued support from the Centre for strengthening Haryana’s power sector, while Anil Vij said the state would take necessary steps to implement sanctioned projects and improve overall sector performance.

(KNN Bureau)