Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) chairman Nand Lal Sharma highlighted that Haryana, after Odisha, is the second state in India to make significant strides in electricity reforms. Established on August 16, 1998, HERC operates as an independent regulatory body overseeing the power sector in Haryana.
Addressing HERC officials and staff at the Panchkula office on its Foundation Day, Chairman Sharma on Friday explained that previously, states managed electricity through boards.These boards were reorganized into separate corporations for distribution, generation, and transmission. Electricity regulation is a concurrent subject, allowing both central and state governments to create laws for consumer protection. This restructuring has enabled focused investment in necessary areas to improve electricity services.
Sharma stressed the importance of accurate forecasting of electricity needs to ensure timely service delivery. “The interests of electricity consumers are our top priority,” he said. HERC is financially independent, managing its funds for salaries without relying on government support.
Sharma also praised HERC’s efficiency in handling Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petitions. According to a recent booklet by the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), HERC issued tariff orders for Haryana Power Generation Corporation (HPGCL) in 69 days, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPN) in 84 days, and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN and DHBVN) in 98 days. This is well within the 120-day deadline set by the Electricity Act, 2003.
Looking ahead, Sharma noted that regulatory commissions will play a crucial role in achieving the goal of generating 500 gigawatts of energy from non-fossil fuels by 2030. He encouraged HERC officials and staff to continue their collaborative efforts and extended his best wishes for the Foundation Day.
