HARYANA ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION (HERC) IN THE NEWS Period from 01.01.2023 TO 31.03.2023

HERC member visits CGRF Gurugram

- Instructions given for quick redressal

- The main objective of the commission is the satisfaction of electricity consumers.

Gurugram, 26 June, 2023 ().

Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) member Shri Naresh Sardana and Electricity Ombudsman-cum-Director (Technical) Mr. Virendra Singh held a meeting at the CGRF office on Monday.

The member of the commission examined all the complaints and ordered the redressal of the unresolved complaints. He directed that the complaints of the consumers should be redressed immediately. The commission is committed to resolve the problems of electricity consumers. Consumer Grievance Redressal Forums (CGRFs) have been created to protect the interests of the consumers.

He informed that today there are 27 CGRFs in Haryana, 21 CGRFs at circle level, 4 CGRFs at zonal level and 2 CGRFs at corporate level for redressing the complaints of electricity consumers.

Apart from 16 old complaints, CGRF Corporate Gurugram registered 27 new complaints in the month of June. Out of total 43 complaints, 8 complaints were disposed of this month. Of these, 15 complaints are pending in Gurugram circle-one and Gurugram circle-two, 12 in Faridabad, 3 in Charkhi Dadri, 2 in Bhiwani, one each in Rewari, Sirsa and Hisar, totaling 35 complaints.

It is notable that the CGRF is working at the corporate level to solve the problems of the consumers of Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), the circle CGRF at the SE level and the zonal CGRF at the chief engineer level are also redressing the electricity related complaints. These mainly include complaints related to billing, voltage, metering, disconnection, reconnection and new connection, interruptions in power supply, efficiency, safety and non-compliance of orders of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. The main objective of the commission is the satisfaction of the electricity consumers.

Shri Anil Kumar Vij, Chairman, CGRF Corporate, Mr. V K Aggarwal, Chief Engineer (Operation) Delhi Zone, Mr. Rajkumar Jajoria and Ms. Sushila Kumari were also present during the meeting.

HERC creates CGRF at Corporate, Zonal and Circle level to protect the interest of consumers.

Consumer interest is paramount for HERC.

CGRF hears all complaints related to electricity except power theft.

Chandigarh (October 30, 2022). Protection of the interest of electricity consumers are paramount for Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), there for HERC has created more Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) to provide relief to the electricity consumers in the state so that the complaints of electricity consumers can be redressed quickly. Now both the Electricity Distribution Corporations- Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) have formed CGRFs at the corporate, zonal and circle level. All these CGRFs are hearing and redressing all types of electricity complaints except power theft cases.

As per the Regulation of HERC, the CGRF formed at the zone level will be known as the Zonal Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, CGRF at the Circle level as the Circle Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum and the CGRF at the Corporate level as the Corporate Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum.

The Corporate CGRF shall hold its sitting at its headquarters and it deems fit, sitting may also be held at other prominent places like Operational Circles by the Corporate Forum within its jurisdiction for public convenience.

According to the Regulation of HERC, the Chairman of the Zonal CGRF shall be the serving Chief Engineer of concerned distribution zone. Zonal forum shall have at least four sittings in a month or as decided by Commission from time to time.

The Chairman of the Circle CGRF shall be the serving Superintending Engineer of Operation Circle of the concerned distribution circle. Circle forum shall have also at least four sittings in a month or as directed by Commission from time to time.

The Corporate CGRF shall have the jurisdiction to dispose of all the monetary disputes of an amount exceeding RS three lakhs in each case. Zonal CGRF from shall have the jurisdiction to dispose of the complaints involving monetary disputes of an amount exceeding Rs One Lakh and up to Rs Three lakh in each case and Circle CGRF shall have the jurisdiction to dispose of the complaints involving monetary disputes of an amount up to RS one lakh in each case.

The grievances shall be prioritized for redressal of non-supply, connection, disconnection of supply, meter related issues, billing related issues other issues ie deficiency in service and /or performance and or/ safety norms etc and disobeying orders of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission. However, CGRF will not participate in cases of power theft, unauthorized use of electricity.

Rights of Electricity Consumers

Protection of Rights of Electricity Consumers is one of the key objectives of the Electricity Act, 2003 as well as the National Electricity Policy, 2005. Rights of Electricity Consumers, Grievance Registration and Grievance Redressal Mechanism as enshrined in various Regulations of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) are as follow: -
RIGHT TO KNOW	TARIFF STRUCTURE (w.e.f. 01.04.2023)
Right to know about the functioning of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (Section 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003). Right to know the procedure for obtaining a new connection, disconnection, reconnection, change in load/name/tariff category etc. Right to know about the procedure for billing and payment of electricity bills. Right to know about the Tariff Schedule and Schedule of General Charges approved by the HERC. Right to ensure that the meters installed at the premises are correct. Right to know about the procedure of obtaining Open Access. Right to know about the Standards of Performance including the quality of supply to be maintained and services to be provided by the Distribution Licensee(s). Right to know about the ‘Complaint Handling Procedure and Grievance Redressal Mechanism’. Right to know about the Electricity Supply Code. https://herc.gov.in/WriteReadData/Pdf/R20140108.pdf(459 Kb) Right to know about the functioning of the Power Utilities i.e. HVPNL (Transmission), HPGCL (Generation), UHBVN & DHBVN (Distribution). Right to know the procedure for filing petition before the HERC.	Category of consumers Energy Charges (Paisa / kWh or/ kVAh) Fixed Charge (Rs. per kW per month of the connected load / per kVA of sanctioned contract demand (in case supply is on HT) or as indicated MMC (Rs. per kW per month of the connected load or part thereof) Domestic Supply Category I: (Total consumption up to 100 units per month) 0 - 50 units per month 200/kWh Nil Rs. 115 up to 2 kW and Rs. 70 above 2 kW 51-100 250/kWh Nil Category II: (Total consumption more than 100 units/month and up to 800 units/month)) 0-150 275/kWh Nil Rs. 125 up to 2 kW and Rs. 75 above 2 kW 151-250 525/kWh Nil 251-500 630/kWh Nil 501-800 and above 710/kWh Nil Note: Benefit of Telescopic Tariff shall be restricted up to 800 Units / Months for category II only i.e. 801 and above flat rate of 710 / kWh shall be applicable for the entire consumption. The above Tariff Structure is for Domestic Consumers only. However, the detailed tariff order and Schedule of General Charges for different category(ies) of consumers in the State is available on HERC’s web site: https://herc.gov.in (https://herc.gov.in/WriteReadData/Orders/O20230215a.pdf( 3 Mb)) as well as Distribution Licensee’s Website.
PAYMENT MECHANISM	STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE
Payment Mechanism for Electricity Bills: The consumer can make the payment of electricity bill at the designated local collection centers of the Distribution Licensee. The consumer can also make online bill payment using the following modes:- Discoms Mobile App. UHBVN website: https://epayment.uhbvn.org.in/b2cpaybill.aspx DHBVN website: https://epayment.dhbvn.org.in/ Online NEFT / RTGS system. Online Payment through payment gateways (Bill Desk/PayU / Paytm) Single Unified Platform provided by M/s IndiaIdeas Pvt. Ltd. BBPS (PPBL / PayU). The consumer can now view electricity bills, consumption history, bill payment history etc. by using Distribution Licensee’s website and app. Through post office.	It is the right of the consumer to demand the following electricity services as per the Distribution Performance Standards, specified in the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (Standards of Performance of Distribution Licensees and Determination of Compensation) Regulations, 2020 https://herc.gov.in/WriteReadData/Pdf/R20200424.pdf(600 Kb), https://herc.gov.in/WriteReadData/Pdf/CR20211209(1).pdf ( 88 Kb) Normal fuse-off Line break down Underground cable fault Distribution transformer failure Major power failure involving power transformer/ equipment etc. Un-scheduled load shedding Period of scheduled outage Meter complaints Application for new connection/ additional load/ reduction in load Release of temporary connection Change of name Re-classification of consumer category / change of tariff category Redressal of consumer’s complaint regarding billing i.e. non-receipt, wrong bills, etc. Re-connection of supply following dis-connection due to non-payment of bills (disconnection less than 6 months old) Refund of Advance Consumption Deposit/ consumption security, meter security on closure of account Shifting of meter / service connection/ lines/ equipment’s Issue of No Dues Certificates (NOC) Compliance of orders pronounced by Consumer Grievenaces Redressal Forum and Electricity Ombudsman
THREE - TIER GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL STRUCTURE
Consumer Grievance / Complaint New connection, temporary connection, load enhancement, load reduction, permanent dis-connection, re-connection, shifting of meter and service line, name change, category change, billing, reading of meter, metering problems (faulty / burnt / slow / fast / stolen), no current / failure of power supply, voltage fluctuation, load shedding / scheduled outages, non-working of street light, reporting of theft of electricity / unauthorized use of electricity.
TIER – I (GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL CELL OF DISCOMS)
Channels for registration of complaint
DISTRIBUTION LICENSEE
Customer Care Centre 24x7 Toll Free No	Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL)
	1800-180-1550 or Short Code Toll Free No. 1912
	Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL)
	1800-180-4334 or Short Code Toll Free No. 1912
Complaint Handling Centres at Sub-Division / Division / Circle level	09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (Monday-Saturday)
Website	https://www.uhbvn.org.in/web/portal/contact-us
	https://www.dhbvn.org.in/web/portal/contact-us
Mobile App	UHBVN Electricity Bill Payment App
	DHBVN Electricity Bill Payment App
Other mode(s)	For UHBVNL email id: 1912@uhbvn.org.in
	WhatsApp Number: 9815961912
	For DHBVNL email id: 1912@dhbvn.org.in
	WhatsApp Number: 8813999708
Commercial Back Office (CBO) Commercial Back Office (CBO) was set up in UHBVNL at Panchkula and DHBVNL at Hisar. All types of billing & metering complaints / meter change orders (MCO) are being handled online i.e. without any physical intervention. The prime objective was to promptly resolve the billing related complaints, improve customer satisfaction, curb corrupt practices and improve billing accuracy by making the complaint resolution process easy and without any interface between the officials of CBO and electricity consumers / complainant.
Note If complaint is not resolved within the scheduled time or the complainant is not satisfied with the response / resolution provided by the Distribution Licensee, then the complainant may approach the below mentioned officers for further clarification / resolution: - STEP 1: In-charge of Sub-Divisional Office STEP 2: In-charge of Divisional Office STEP 3: Superintending Engineer / Chief Engineer - In-charge of Operation Circle / Operation Zone. If still not satisfied with the resolution, consumer may write to the Head of DISTRIBUTION LICENSEE.
Postal Address for forwarding the complaint in writing
Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited	Managing Director (UHBVN), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) Vidyut Sadan, Plot No.: C16, Sector-6, Panchkula, Haryana, India md@uhbvn.org.in
Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited	Managing Director (DHBVN), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) Head Office: Vidyut Sadan, Vidyut Nagar, Hisar-125005 md@dhbvn.org.in
TIER – II Consumers Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF)
If complainant is not satisfied either with the response of the Distribution Licensee or there is no response from the Distribution Licensee within the stipulated time, then the complainant may approach CGRF. Protection of the interest of electricity consumers are paramount for Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), therefore,  HERC has created more Consumer Grievance Redressal Forums (CGRFs)  to provide relief to the electricity consumers in the state  so that the complaints of electricity consumers can be redressed quickly. Now both the Electricity Distribution Corporations - Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) have formed CGRFs at the corporate, zonal and circle level. All these CGRFs are hearing and redressing  all types of electricity complaints except power theft cases.	Consumer Grievenaces Redressal Forum for UHBVNL consumers, Flat nos. 519-522, 1st floor, Power Colony, Industrial Area, Phase-II, Panchkula-134113 (Haryana) Phone No.  0172-2990341, 2990343. Email ID  cgrf@uhbvn.org.in, Website https://www.uhbvn.org.in/web/portal/consumer-grievenaces-redressal-forum
	Consumer Grievanaces Redressal Forum for DHBVNL consumers HETRI House, IDC Area, Sector-16, Mehreuli Road, Gurugram-122007 Email ID cgrf@dhbvn.org.in, Website https://www.dhbvn.org.in/web/portal/cgrf-members
TIER – III Electricity Ombudsman
The complainant aggrieved by non-redressal of his grievance by the CGRF, order passed by CGRF or non-implementation of the orders of CGRF by the Distribution Licensee, may make a representation to the Ombudsman at the following address: The Electricity Ombudsman c/o Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission Bays 33-36, Sector 4, Panchkula-134112 Haryana, INDIA Phone: +91 (172) 2572299, EPABX: 2563052, 2582532 E-Mail: eo.herc@nic.in Non-implementation of the orders of Ombudsman shall be deemed to be a violation of the Regulations of the Commission and shall be liable for appropriate action under Section 142 and 146 of the Electricity Act, 2003. NOTE: However, the cases of theft and unauthorised use of electricity, offenses and penalties as specified under Section 126 and Section 135 to 139 of the Electricity Act, 2003, accidents and inquiries as under Section 161 of the act will not be considered by the forum.
Issued in Public Interest by Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission Bays 33-36, Sector 4, Panchkula-134112 Haryana, INDIA Phone: +91 (172) 2572299, EPABX: 2563052, 2582532 E-Mail: herc-chd@nic.in Website www.herc.gov.in

HERC conducts SAC meeting before ARR order, seek members’ suggestions on Public petitions

Chandigarh, January 18, 2022 ( ). The 26th meeting of the State Advisory Committee (SAC) was held at the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) office in Panchkula on Tuesday where the feedback regarding Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petitions filed in HERC for the coming financial year of the four power utilities of Haryana were taken.

Earlier, the public hearings on ARR Petition filed by power utilities were conducted on January 12. After which, the SAC meeting was called by HERC to seek feedback from stakeholders, Haryana Power Generation (HPGCL), Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN), Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) before the release of ARR order.

The SAC meeting was presided over by the HERC Chairman Shri R.K. Pachnanda, in which HERC Member Shri Naresh Sardana, Commission’s Secretary Mr. Jay Parkash, Director (Tariff) Shri Sanjay Varma, Director (Technical) Shri Virendra Singh were present. While the other members of SAC joined the meeting through virtual mode.

HERC Chairman Shri R.K. Pachnanda said that the main objective of this meeting lies in the interests of electricity consumers that make it essential to invite the suggestions from all various stakeholders before making a rational ARR order.

“Earlier the SAC meeting was held on November 25 in the Physical mode but due to COVID-19, this meeting is being held virtually,” he added.

The first Chairman of HERC Shri V.S. Alavadi also sent his suggestions in writing, while former HERC chairman Shri R.N. Parashar said that there is a need to rationalise the power subsidy further.

In this meeting, senior officials of HPGCL, HVPN, UHBVN, DHBVN and Renewable Energy Development Agency (HAREDA) gave their brief suggestions. During the meeting, Commission Chairman Shri R.K. Pachnanda and Member Shri Naresh Sardana said that all the petitions related to ARR of Power Utilities have been uploaded on the HERC website a month ago, so whatever suggestions have come, will be considered in ARR order.

दिसंबर 2021, एक नजर में (हरियाणा के बिजली निगमों के बारे में)

- यहां हर गांव में 1970 में बिजली पहुंच गई थी।

- हरियाणा में जहां 1967 में सभी स्रोतों से कुल 343 मेगावाट बिजली उपलब्ध थी, लेकिन जो अब बढक़र 2021 में 12175.17 मेगावाट हो गई है।

- हरियाणा में जहां 1966 में 3 लाख 11 हजार 914 बिजली उपभोक्ता थे जो अब बढक़र 2021 में 72 लाख 63 हजार 677 हो गए हैं।

- 1966 में जहां हरियाणा में 20 हजार 190 कृषि के लिए उपयोग में आने वाले टयूबवेल के बिजली कनेक्शन थे जो अब 2021 में बढक़र 6 लाख 57 हजार 957 हो गए हैं।

- 1966 में हरियाणा में मात्र 9749 ओद्यौगिक क्षेत्र के बिजली कनेक्शन थे जो अब 2021 में बढक़र 1 लाख 16 हजार 233 हो गए हैं।

- हरियाणा में जहां 1966 में प्रति व्यक्ति 48 यूनिट बिजली की खपत थी जो अब बढक़र 1805 यूनिट हो गई है।

- बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के हितों के संरक्षण, बिजली दरों को न्यायसंगत, परामर्शी और पारदर्शी नीति निर्माण, कुशल और पर्यावरण की दृष्टि से अनुकूल नीतियों को बढ़ावा देने के उद्देश्य के लिए 1998 में हरियाणा पावर रिफोर्म एक्ट लागू हुआ, इसके बाद 16 अगस्त 1998 को हरियाणा बिजली विनियामक आयोग (एचईआरसी) का गठन किया गया, श्री वी.एस. एलावादी (सेवानिवृत्त आईएएस), इसके पहले अध्यक्ष बने, जिन्होंने 17 अगस्त, 1998 को शपथ ली।

- हरियाणा पावर रिफोर्म एक्ट के तहत ही 1998 में बिजली क्षेत्र का पुनर्गठन किया गया था, इसके तहत पहले 14 अगस्त 1998 को हरियाणा राज्य बिजली बोर्ड के स्थान पर दो कंपनियां बनी-हरियाणा विद्युत प्रसारण निगम (एचवीपीएन) और हरियाणा बिजली उत्पादन निगम (एचपीजीसीएल)।

- उसके बाद 1 जुलाई 1999 को हरियाणा विद्युत प्रसारण निगम से दो कंपनियां अलग बनाई गई, जो केवल बिजली वितरण का कार्य करेंगी - उत्तर हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (यूएचबीवीएन) और दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (डीएचबीवीएन), यानी यूएचबीवीएन के अंतर्गत अंबाला, पंचकूला, यमुनानगर, कुरूक्षेत्र, कैथल, करनाल, पानीपत, सोनीपत, रोहतक और झज्जर सहित दस बिजली सर्कल हैं, इन दस सर्कलों में 32 डिविजन हैं और 128 सब डिविजिन हैं, इसी प्रकार डीएचबीवीएन के अंतर्गत हिसार, फतेहाबाद, जींद, नारनौल, रेवाड़ी, भिवानी, गुरुग्राम-1, गुरूग्राम-2, फरीदाबाद, पलवल और सिरसा सहित 11 सर्कल, 30 डिविजन और 129 सब डिविजन हैं। बिजली उपभोक्ताओं को बिजली बिलिंग, मीटरिंग, वोल्टेज, कनेक्शन, बिजली आपूर्ति से संबंधित शिकायतों के निवारण के लिए उत्तर हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम का बिजली उपभोक्ता शिकायत निवारण मंच (सीजीआरएफ) कुरूक्षेत्र में और दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम का सीजीआरएफ गुरुग्राम में स्थित है, वैसे दोनों सीजीआरएफ के चेयरमैन और सदस्य संबंधित सर्कल में समय-समय पर जाकर बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायत सुनते हैं, हरियाणा विद्युत विनियामक आयोग के सख्त निर्देश हैं कि बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायतों का तुरंत निपटारा किया जाए, इसके अलावा यदि बिजली उपभोक्ता सीजीआरएफ के निर्णय से संतुष्ट नहीं होते तो वे पंचकूला स्थित हरियाणा विद्युत लोकपाल के कार्यालय में शिकायत दर्ज करा सकते हैं।

- हरियाणा विद्युत प्रसारण निगम (एचवीपीएन) का कार्य बिजली के ट्रांसमिशन का है, एचवीपीएन के 422 सब स्टेशन हैं, जिनमें 400 केवी के 7, 220 केवी के 83, 132 केवी के 187 और 66 केवी के 145 सब स्टेशन हैं।

- हरियाणा बिजली उत्पादन निगम (एचपीजीसीएल) कुल 2372.40 मेगावाट बिजली का उत्पादन करती है, जिसमें से पानीपत थर्मल प्लांट से 500 मेगावाट बिजली का, राजीव गांधी थर्मल प्लांट खेदड़ से 1200 मेगावाट, दीनबंधु छोटूराम थर्मल प्लांट, यमुनानगर से 600 मेगावाट, वेस्टर्न यमुना कैनाल से 62.4 मेगावाट हाइड्रो तथा पानीपत पावर प्रोजेक्ट से 10 मेगावाट सोलर का बिजली उत्पादन होता है।

- बिजली उपभोक्ता के हित और उसकी संतुष्टि सबसे पहले: एचईआरसी

- खराब मीटरों को तुरंत बदल कर स्मार्ट/प्रीपेड मीटर लगाएं

- आने वाला समय नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा का, इस दिशा में सकारात्मकता के साथ आगे बढें

- बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के लिए अभी और भी बहुत कुछ करने की आवश्यकता, उस दिशा में अवश्य पहल होनी चाहिए

- एचईआरसी की स्टेट एडवाइजरी कमेटी की 25 वीं मीटिंग में आयोग ने बिजली निगमों के अधिकारियों को दिए यह निर्देश

- मीटिंग में बिजली वितरण निगमों के एमडी ने कहा कि छह साल में 21 लाख 36 हजार नए कनेक्शन दिए गए

- बिजली वितरण निगमों को करीब 80 प्रतिशत राजस्व ऑनलाइन माध्यमों से मिलता है

- 08 अक्तूबर 2021 तक करनाल, पानीपत, पंचकूला, फरीदाबाद और गुरुग्राम में 3 लाख 37 हजार 919 स्मार्ट मीटर लगाए गए

- 1 नवंबर 2021 तक 5487 गांवों में 24 घंटे बिजली उपलब्ध

- इस वित्तीय वर्ष में बिजली वितरण निगमों का लाभ 636 करोड़ 67 लाख रुपए

- बिजली वितरण निगमों का एटीएडंसी लॉस 16.22 प्रतिशत

चंडीगढ़, 25 नवंबर, 2021 ( )। हरियाणा विद्युत विनियामक आयोग (एचईआरसी) ने बिजली वितरण निगमों को निर्देश दिए हैं कि बिजली उपभोक्ता के हित और उसकी संतुष्टि सबसे पहले है, इसके लिए उचित कदम उठाएं, एक तो खराब मीटरों को तुरंत बदल कर उनके स्थान पर स्मार्ट/प्रीपेड मीटर लगाएं, आने वाला समय नवीकरणीय ऊर्जा का है, इसलिए इस दिशा में सकारात्मकता के साथ आगे बढें, साथ ही अभी बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के लिए और भी बहुत कुछ करने की आवश्यकता है, उस दिशा में अवश्य पहल होनी चाहिए।

एचईआरसी के पंचकूला स्थित कार्यालय में गुरुवार सायं 25 वीं राज्य सलाहकार समिति (एसएसी) की बैठक हुई, इसकी अध्यक्षता एचईआरसी के अध्यक्ष श्री आर.के.पचनन्दा ने की। इस अवसर पर एचईआरसी सदस्य श्री नरेश सरदाना, एचईआरसी के पूर्व अध्यक्ष श्री आर.एन. पराशर, बिजली निगमों के प्रबंध निदेशक तथा विभिन्न श्रेणी से संबंधित बिजली उपभोक्ताओं का प्रतिनिधित्व करने वाले एसएसी के सदस्य मौजूद थे।

इस मीटिंग में उत्तर हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (यूएचबीवीएन), दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (डीएचबीवीएन) की इस वित्त वर्ष की वित्तीय स्थिति, रिन्यूएबल परचेज ऑब्लिगेशन (आरपीओ), कुसुम स्कीम, फ्यूल सरचार्ज एडजस्टमेंट (एफएसए), एचपीजीसीएल के थर्मल प्लांटों के संचालन और बिजली कनेक्शनों के संबंध में गहन विचार विमर्श हुआ।

इस मीटिंग में हरियाणा विद्युत प्रसारण निगम (एचवीपीएन) के एमडी श्री टी.एल. सत्यप्रकाश ने कहा कि एचवीपीएन बेहतरीन कार्य कर रही है। इसके बाद उत्तर हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (यूएचबीवीएन) और दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (डीएचबीवीएन) के एमडी श्री पी.सी. मीणा ने कहा कि अप्रैल 2015 से लेकर 31 अक्तूबर 2021 तक 21 लाख 36 हजार नए बिजली कनेक्शन दिए गए हैं। यूएचबीवीएन और डीएचबीवीएन को बिजली बिलों के रूप में जो राजस्व मिलता है, वह करीब 80 प्रतिशत ऑनलाइन माध्यमों से मिलता है, 08 अक्तूबर 2021 तक करनाल, पानीपत, पंचकूला, फरीदाबाद और गुरुग्राम में 3 लाख 37 हजार 919 स्मार्ट मीटर लगाए गए हैं। वहीं, 1 नवंबर 2021 तक 5487 गांवों में 24 घंटे बिजली उपलब्ध, उन्होंने कहा कि इस वित्तीय वर्ष में यूएचबीवीएन और डीएचबीवीएन का लाभ 636 करोड़ 67 लाख रुपए है। इतना ही नहीं इन दोनों बिजली वितरण निगमों का एग्रीगेट ट्रांसमिशन एंड कार्मशियल लॉस (एटीएडंसी) 16.22 प्रतिशत है, जो अपने आप में एक बड़ी उपलब्धि है। आरपीओ के निर्धारित लक्ष्य को हासिल करने के लिए निरंतर प्रयास जारी है।

मीटिंग में हरियाणा बिजली उत्पादन निगम (एचपीजीसीएल) के एमडी श्री मोहम्मद शाइन ने कहा कि एचपीजीसीएल को आजकल जिन चुनौतियों का सामना करना पड़ रहा है, उनको जल्द ठीक कर लिया जाएगा। हरेडा के एमडी श्री हनीफ कुरैशी ने कहा कि हरेडा ने उत्कृष्ट कार्य किया है और आगे भी इसी गति से अपने कार्य को करती रहेगी, कुसुम स्कीम के भी बेहतरीन परिणाम आए हैं, यह स्कीम किसानों को खुशहाल करने में काफी सार्थक साबित हो रही है। उद्यमियों की तरफ से पानीपत के उद्यमी श्री विनोद खंडेलवाल ने अपने क्षेत्र की कुछ समस्या रखी तो आयोग ने बिजली वितरण निगमों के एमडी को इन सभी समस्याओं के समाधान के लिए निर्देश दिए। एचईआरसी के पूर्व अध्यक्ष आर.एन.पराशर ने भी बिजली के क्षेत्र में आ रही चुनौतियों के विषय पर अंतरराष्ट्रीय परिप्रेक्ष्य के कई उदाहरण देकर कैसे इन चुनौतियों पर काबू पाया जाए, इस पर अपने सुझाव दिए। इस मीटिंग में एचईआरसी के सचिव नरेद्र कुमार ने मंच संचालन में अपनी भूमिका निभाई। एसएसी की इस महत्वपूर्ण मीटिंग में बिजली निगमों , हरेडा व एचईआरसी के तमाम वरिष्ठ अधिकारी मौजूद थे।

बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के हित सर्वोपरि की भावना से काम करें: एचईआरसी

- एचईआरसी के सदस्य नरेश सरदाना सीजीआरएफ के कार्य की समीक्षा करने के लिए स्वयं गुरुग्राम पहुंचे

- उन्होंने एक जुलाई से 30 सितंबर तक सीजीआरएफ के पास आई सभी शिकायतों का अवलोकन किया

- इस वित्तीय वर्ष की द्वितीय तिमाही में सीजीआरएफ के पास कुल 214 शिकायतें आई, जिनमें ज्यादातर बिजली बिलिंग से संबंधित थी गुरुग्राम,

12 नवंबर, 2021()। हरियाणा इलेक्ट्रिसिटी रेगुलेटरी कमीशन (एचईआरसी) के सदस्य नरेश सरदाना ने कहा कि उपभोक्ता शिकायत निवारण मंच (सीजीआरएफ) हो या फिर बिजली वितरण निगम के अधिकारी हों सभी को बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के हित सर्वोपरि की भावना से काम करना चाहिए। किसी भी सूरत में बिजली उपभोक्ताओं के हितों की अनदेखी नहीं होनी चाहिए, तथा एक टीम व कर्तव्यपरायणता की भावना से काम कर एक बेहतरीन उदाहरण पेश करना होगा। एचईआरसी के सदस्य श्री सरदाना शुक्रवार को स्वयं दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (डीएचबीवीएन) के सीजीआरएफ के कार्य की समीक्षा करने के लिए गुरुग्राम पहुंचे। उन्होंने इस वित्तीय वर्ष की द्वितीय तिमाही में सीजीआरएफ के पास आई सभी 214 शिकायतों का अच्छे से अवलोकन किया, ज्यादातर शिकायतें बिजली बिलों से संबंधित थी। उन्होंने कहा कि एचईआरसी के स्पष्ट निर्देश हैं कि दोनों निगमों के लिए गठित सीजीआरएफ संबंधित सर्कल में जाकर बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायत सुनेगा तथा उनका निवारण करेगा। इसके लिए यह सुनिश्चित होना चाहिए कि जिस सर्कल में सीजीआरएफ की टीम दौरा करे वहां पर टीम के कार्यक्रम की पहले से बिजली उपभोक्ताओं को अच्छे से सूचना होनी चाहिए। उन्होंने सीजीआरएफ के चेयरमैन संजीव चौपड़ा को कहा कि बगैर किसी योजना के भी किसी सर्कल में जाकर बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायतें सुनें। इस अवसर पर विद्युत लोकपाल वीरेंद्र सिंह भी उनके साथ थे। एचईआरसी सदस्य ने डीएचबीवीएन के गुरूग्राम में बने एक 33 केवी के स्विचिंग सब स्टेशन व सीजीआरएफ के नवनिर्मित कार्यालय का भी निरीक्षण किया। उन्होंने डीएचबीवीएन के अधिकारियों को भी इस संबंध में कुछ जरूरी दिशा निर्देश दिए। यहां यह बता दें कि सीजीआरएफ बिलिंग, वोल्टेज, मीटरिंग से संबंधित शिकायतें, गुणवत्ता, विश्वसनीयता में कमी, सुरक्षा, एचईआरसी के आदेशों की अवेहलना, बिजली आपूर्ति में बाधाएं संबंधी शिकायतें सुनता है। यदि बिजली उपभोक्ता सीजीआरएफ के फैसले से संतुष्ट नहीं होता तो फिर वह विद्युत लोकपाल के यहां अपनी शिकायत देता है, जिस पर बाद में विद्युत लोकपाल अपना निर्णय सुनाता है। वहीं, डीएचबीवीएन के सीजीआरएफ के पास 1 जुलाई से 30 सितंबर तक 124 नई शिकायतें आई थी तथा इनके अतिरिक्त 90 शिकायतें गत तिमाही की लंबित थी। इनमें से 140 शिकायतें बिजली बिलिंग, 74 शिकायतें अन्य मामलों से संबंधित थी। डीएचबीवीएन में फरीदाबाद, पलवल, गुरुग्राम-1, गुरुग्राम-2, नारनौल, रेवाड़ी, भिवानी, हिसार, फतेहाबाद, सिरसा और जींद सहित 11 सर्कल हैं तथा 38 लाख 29 हजार 955 बिजली उपभोक्ता हैं।

HERC has issued ARR/Tariff Order of 2021-22

- Big relief to 70,54,796 electricity consumers of Haryana, out of which 32,82,824 are of UHBVN and 37,71,972 consumers of DHBVN.

- No further increase in electricity charges, rather many categories given major relief.

- New electricity charges to be applicable from April 1, new tariffs will be very beneficial in bringing the industry and economy back on track.

- Major relief was given to the Agro industries last year. - Major relief is given to industrial units in Time of Day (TOD) and Time of Use (TOU) this year.

- Bulk Supply (Domestic) fixed charges also reduced.

- For crematoriums and burial grounds the lowest energy charges of the HT / LT supply shall be the tariff and no fixed charges shall be levied.

- Electrical vehicle charging stations also given concessions.

- For places of worship the applicable tariff shall be at a flat rate of Rs 6.90/ unit.

- Railway/DMRC also given benefit of 10 paise/ unit in energy charges and Rs 10 / KVA in the demand charges.

- State government subsidy burden reduced, the return on equity allowed by the commission to the Haryana Power Utilities amounting to Rs 885.823 crores shall be adjusted against the subsidy payable by the state government.

- Advocate's chambers to be charged less.

- HT industrial consumers fixed charges decreased from 170 / kVA per month to Rs. 165 / kVA per month.

- HT industry and HT NDS category to be merged, the applicable tariff for the earlier NDS (HT) has been reduced from Rs 6.75/ unit to Rs 6.65/ unit.

- Also energy charges for domestic consumer category - 1 whose consumption is 100 units / month to pay Rs 2 for 0 to 50 units as earlier and Rs 2.50 for 51 to 100 units.

- For domestic category - 2 having consumption from 100 units to 800 units/ month to pay Rs 2.50 / unit for 0 to 150 units, Rs 5.25/ unit for 151 to 250 units will be the energy charges.

- HERC Has approved ARR for 2021-22 to Discoms 29,986.36 crores, they proposed 32,543.78 crores.

Chandigarh, (30 March, 2021). Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has issued Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR)/Tariff Order applicable w.e.f. 01.04.2021 for the Distribution Companies i.e. Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), which is available on the Commissions website i.e. www.herc.gov.in.

Given the COVID – 19 Pandemic and the need to put the Industry / Economy back on track, the Commission has approved major relief to the electricity consumers of the State. The last tariff hike of about 13% was ordered in the FY 2013-14 and 8.5% hike, on an average, was approved by the HERC in the FY 2015-16. Thereafter, the consumer tariff has been retained at the same levels except reduction in tariff for the Domestic Consumers falling in category-I in the FY 2020-21.

Bulk Supply (Domestic) To give some relief to the Bulk (DS) Consumers, the fixed charges have been reduced from Rs. 100 / kW per month of the recorded demand to Rs. 90/kW/Month of the recorded demand.

Domestic Supply Tariff – Remains un-changed, however, the number of categories has been reduced to 2 from previous 3 Categories. Concessional tariff for 0-50 Units has been retained at Rs. 2.0 / Unit and 51 to 100 Units at 2.50 / Unit against CoS of Rs. 6.90 / Unit.

Crematorium / burial grounds - Hence, the Commission decides that the lowest energy charges of the LT Supply or HT Supply, as the case may be, shall be the tariff. No fixed charges shall be levied in such cases.

Advocate’s Chamber (Court premises) - Hence, for the Advocate’s Chamber within the Court Complex shall be charged at the CoS of LT Supply i.e. Rs. 6.90 / kWh as determined in the present Order instead of NDS / Commercial Rates of Rs. 7.05 / Unit for load above 5 kW up to 20 kW i.e. a reduction of 15 Paise per unit.

Time of Day Tariff -The concessional tariff, for incremental consumption, from November 2021 to March 2022 (for time slot of 21:00 to 05:30) has been considerable reduced so as to encourage HT Consumers to shift load from peak to off peak hours and thereby reduce their own average cost of power used in the production processes as well as avoid scheduling of expensive power during the peak hours / period by the Discoms, thereby reducing the average cost of power purchase of the Discoms as well.

Time of day / Time of use Tariff

a) HT Consumers on 11/33 Kv : Rs 4.25/kVAh

b) HT Consumers on 66 kV and above : Rs 3.75/kVAh

Electric Vehicles Charging Station - The Commission has considered the need for promoting faster adoption of Electric Vehicles in Haryana and approves the concessional tariff for Electric Vehicles Charging Station of Rs. 5.55 / kWh or Rs. 5.00 / kVAh. The Fixed Charges shall be Rs. 100 / kW / kVA per month as proposed. Additionally, the energy charges as per TOD / TOU tariff has also be applicable during the off-peak demand period (November to March) between 9.00 P.M. and 05.30 A.M as applicable to the HT Supply consumers on the total consumption, instead of incremental consumption, during the said time period.

Tariff for “places of worship” The Commission, is aware of the important role played by places of worship in providing support to their followers in difficult times like the covid pandemic and also that the places of worship play a significant role in cultural reformation. Accordingly, the Commission approves, the relaxations / concession on revenue neutral basis. Henceforth, the applicable tariff shall be a flat rate of Rs. 6.90 / kWh i.e. equivalent to Cost of Supply of LT Supply.

Agro Industries - The Commission, after considering the requirement of promoting agro based industries in the MSME sector, introduced a new category of consumers including Pack House, Grading, Packing, Pre-Cooling and Ripening Chamber, Honey Bee, Honey Processing, Tissue culture, Zinga and Fish Farming, Poultry Farm, Pig Farm, Milk Chilling Plant and Cold Storage, Mushroom Farming up to 20 kW load and determined their single part tariff of Rs. 4.75 / kWh.

HT Supply Consumers - The Commission, in order to grant some relief to the consumes taking supply at HT Voltage has reduced the Fixed Charges from Rs. 170 / kVA per month to Rs. 165 / kVA per month of the Contract Demand. This would provide some relief to the HT Industrial Consumers as the incidence of fixed charge shall be lower. NDS (HT) has been merged with the HT Supply, hence the applicable tariff for the earlier NDS (HT) has been reduced from Rs. 6.75 / Unit to Rs. 6.65 / Unit.

Railway (Traction) Supply / DMRC - Since the Railways (Traction) Tariff and DMRC Tariff category has been merged with HT Supply. Such consumer shall get the benefit of 10 Paise / Unit in Energy Charges and Rs. 10 / kVA in the Demand Charges.

Reduced burden of Subsidy on State Govt. In a major decision, the Commission has ordered that the return on equity allowed by it to the Haryana Power Utilities amounting to Rs. 885.823 Crore shall be adjusted against the subsidy payable by the State Government. Thereby reducing the financial burden of subsidy on the State Exchequer.

Distribution Losses - The Commission, during the previous finical year had allowed distribution loss of 18.5% due to impact of Pandemic in reduction of HT and NDS sales with lower loss levels vis-à-vis DS and other sales with higher loss levels. As the sales has almost got back to the normal levels, the Commission has restored the distribution loss level to 15% i.e. pre-pandemic levels, thereby reducing the cost of power delivered to the electricity consumers.

Other Relief - HT industrial consumers/Gurugram Industrial Association, while interacting with the Commission, flagged serious issues regarding several notices issued by the Discoms asking them to deposit huge amount of money on account of fractional use of power for NDS activity in HT industrial premises. In nutshell, the grievance is summed up that the connection has been released by the Discoms in Industrial Estate under HT industry Supply category, however, some of the consumers have also set-up either offices or packaging unit ancillaries to their manufacturing processes. These ancillary activities carried out in the industrial estate having HT Industrial connection are being treated, by the Discoms, as unauthorised use of power because there is different tariff and charges determined by the Commission for HT NDS category of consumers. The Commission has deliberated upon the issue and in furtherance of the policy of the Government for ‘ease of doing business’ and no litigation policy, it has been decided to merge HT industry category and HT NDS category into one category i.e. HT Supply. The Commission is of the view that two categories having been merged, the mandate given to the Commission for reducing number of categories is also served. Since, during these testing times of Covid-19 pandemic where the HT industrial consumers are fighting as Corona Warriors to revive the economy, the Commission believes that such small steps would go a long way in strengthening the backbone of the industry and revival of the economy. Having observed that there are large number of such cases across Haryana, the Commission orders that as a onetime measure, this issue be settled by charging difference in the applicable tariff without levy of penalty as on the date of issuance of the notice(s). The Discoms have been directed that list of all such cases, in which notices have been issued, for recovery of amount on this account, be prepared and report regarding settlement of the same be sent to the Commission within 2 months of this order.

डीएचबीवीएन-सीजीआरएफ आफिस अब पूर्णतय गुरुग्राम शिफ्ट

- एनसीआर क्षेत्र के बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की अधिक संख्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए लिया गया यह निर्णय

- सीजीआरएफ के चेयरमैन गुरुग्राम में ही बैठ रहे थे, लेकिन सीजीआरएफ कार्यालय का रिकार्ड हिसार में था

- लेकिन अब 18 मार्च से सीजीआरएफ का पूरी तरह से रिकार्ड हिसार से गुरुग्राम शिफ्ट हो गया

- सीजीआरएफ बिलिंग, मीटरिंग, कनेक्शन, वोल्टेज, बिजली आपूर्ति में बाधाओं से संबंधित शिकायतों का निपटारा करता है

चंडीगढ़, (23 मार्च, 2021) । दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (डीएचबीवीएन) के बिजली उपभोक्ता शिकायत निवारण मंच (सीजीआरएफ) का कार्यालय अब पूर्णतय गुरुग्राम शिफ्ट हो गया है। एनसीआर क्षेत्र के बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की अधिक संख्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए यह निर्णय लिया गया है। हरियाणा विद्युत विनियामक आयोग (एचईआरसी) के निर्देश हैं कि बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायतों का तुरंत समाधान किया जाए।

उल्लेखनीय है कि हरियाणा में बिजली वितरण का कार्य दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम और उत्तर हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम (यूएचबीवीएन) के पास है। दक्षिण हरियाणा बिजली वितरण निगम के सीजीआरएफ का आफिस पहले हिसार में था, लेकिन जब कुछ माह पहले सीजीआरएफ के चेयरमैन और सदस्यों की नियुक्ति की गई थी, उसी समय एचईआरसी की ओर से निर्देश था कि सीजीआरएफ का कार्यालय अब गुरुग्राम में होगा, वैसे सीजीआरएफ की टीम गुरुग्राम में ही बैठ रही थी, लेकिन उनका रिकार्ड हिसार में ही था। अब 18 मार्च से सीजीआरएफ का पूरा रिकार्ड गुरुग्राम शिफ्ट हो गया है। सीजीआरएफ का कार्यालय सेक्टर 16, महरौली रोड, गुरुग्राम में बनाया गया है। हांलाकि, सीजीआरएफ की टीम हर बिजली सर्कल में जाकर बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायत सुनती है। जिस सर्कल में सीजीआरएफ की टीम जाती है, वहां के बिजली उपभोक्ताओं को इस सबंध में अवगत कराया जाता है। डीएचबीवीएन में फरीदाबाद, पलवल, गुरुग्राम-1, गुरुग्राम-2, नारनौल, रेवाड़ी, भिवानी, हिसार, फतेहाबाद, सिरसा और जींद सहित 11 सर्कल हैं। इन सभी सर्कलों में सीजीआरएफ की टीम स्वयं जाकर बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की शिकायतों को सुनती है और उनका निवारण करती है। एचईआरसी के निर्देश हैं कि बिजली बिलिंग, वोल्टेज, मीटरिंग से संबंधित शिकायतें, गुणवत्ता, विश्वसनीयता में कमी, कार्यकुशलता, सुरक्षा, एचईआरसी के आदेशों की अवहेलना, बिजली आपूर्ति में बाधाओं से संबंधित कोई शिकायत है तो उसका समाधान सीजीआरएफ करेगा। डीएचबीवीएन में 37 लाख 71 हजार 972 बिजली उपभोक्ता है। जिसमें फरीदाबाद सर्कल में 5 लाख 79 हजार 230, पलवल सर्कल में 3 लाख 44 हजार 30, गुरुग्राम सर्कल-एक में 3 लाख 2 हजार 896, गुरुग्राम सर्कल-दो में 2 लाख 69 हजार 475, रेवाड़ी सर्कल में 2 लाख 87 हजार 208 तथा नारनौल सर्कल में 2 लाख 52 हजार 470 बिजली उपभोक्ता हैं। एनसीआर क्षेत्र में बिजली उपभोक्ताओं की इसी अधिक संख्या को ध्यान में रखते हुए ही सीजीआरएफ का आफिस पूर्णतय गुरुग्राम शिफ्ट किया गया है।

Target to install 2 million more smart meters
UHBVN MD gave this information in SAC meeting of HERC
Immediate redressal of complaints relating to electricity billing: HERC
HPGCL needs a complete overhaul of its functioning keeping in mind the current scenario.
Chandigarh, (5 February, 2021). The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has advised Haryana Power Generation Company Limited and power distributions companies to change their present scenario of power supply using more efficient technology tools including installing smart and prepaid meters, electricity billing, pending connections and Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum etc.
A decision in this effect has been taken in a meeting of State Advisory Committee (SAC) of HERC held under the chairmanship of its Member Mr. Pravindra Singh Chauhan.
In the SAC meeting, HPGCL got into a lot of brainstorming session were held on many topics including changing the efficiency of the current scenario to make it more efficient.
It is noteworthy that meeting of the SAC is mandatory after hearing the petitions of the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) of the power companies. This virtual meeting was organized in this connection. At the meeting, HERC Member Pravindra Singh Chauhan instructed the Managing Directors of power distribution corporations that the complaints regarding electricity billing should be redressed soon, as well as to release the pending connections as well.
Whereas, HERC Member Naresh Sardana asked about smart and prepaid meters, Shashank Anand, MD, Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) had informed that till now 2.40 lakh smart meters have been installed, previously, where the target was to install 10 lakh smart meters, but now it has been targeted to install 20 lakh more smart meters, i.e. 10-10 lakh more smart meters will be installed in both power distribution corporations. Tenders will be made soon for this.
Dr. Balkar Singh, MD, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) told in the meeting that best steps have been taken for the satisfaction of the electricity consumers here, whereas they now have 15,822 pending power connections. In the meeting Mohammed Shayin, MD, Haryana Power Generation Corporation (HPGCL), informed regarding the challenges faced by HPGCL, he said that all these challenges have been overcome to a great extent. In order to protect the environment in thermal plants, swadeshi companies are being given the task of installing this equipment under Atmanirbhar Bharat. In this meeting, HERC's first Chairman V. S. Ailawadi said that HPGCL is in great need to make more changes in its functioning keeping in mind the current scenario, and he said about installing smart and prepaid meters. Consumers will be benefited as well as accuracy will come with extensive improvement in billing collection of electricity distribution corporations. In the meeting, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPN) MD T.L. Satyaprakash said that HVPN is doing excellent work. In this meeting, G.N. Mangla of Gurgaon Industrial Association said that there is a need for wide publicity about the works of the Electricity Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (CGRF) and expressed complete satisfaction over providing the best power supply. On this, HERC Member Pravindra Singh Chauhan directed the MD of UHBVN and DHBVN to give wide publicity to the consumers about the functions of CGRF. HERC Member Naresh Sardana said that all complaints related to electricity are heard in CGRF except in cases related to power theft. On this, Member Pravindra Singh Chauhan said that if any power consumer is not satisfied with the decision of CGRF, then he can appeal to the Electricity Ombudsman at Panchkula. In the meeting, P.K. Nautiyal of HAREDA said that the power distribution corporations will have to push for more initiatives to achieve the target of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). In the meeting, Electricity Ombudsman Virender Singh, HERC Secretary Anil Doon, Director (Tariff) Sanjay Varma, other officers of HERC was present in the conference room and other members of SAC were virtually connected.

HERC’s Public Hearing: Electricity consumers in Haryana increased to 70.46 lakh
Commission directed to release new pending connection at the earliest
Chandigarh, (29 January, 2021). The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has conducted a virtual public hearing on the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petition of Haryana's power distribution companies - Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN). The suggestions and objections of the officials of the distribution companies were recorded through the hearing.
It is noteworthy that UHBVN had a public hearing on Thursday followed by DHBVN in the afternoon. HERC Members Sh. Pravindra Singh Chauhan and Naresh Sardana listened carefully to the suggestions and objections from both sides.
In the morning, UHBVN presented its financial position through the power point presentation, after which UHBVN MD Sh. Shashank Anand spoke on behalf of the Nigam. During the hearing, HERC Members Pravindra Singh Chauhan and Naresh Sardana gave necessary guidelines on many topics including smart meters, consumer complaints center, electricity billing collection to the officials. In the virtual public hearing, all suggestions and objections received from the public were also carefully listened to and recorded.  
In the public hearing of DHBVN at 3 pm, a PowerPoint presentation was also presented before the Commission. It was informed that the number of electricity consumers has increased to 70.46 lakh in Haryana, out of which 32.84 lakh are of UHBVN and 37.62 lakh electricity consumers of DHBVN.
When DHBVN MD Sh. Balkar Singh was presenting details of DHBVN's electricity consumers, the Commission directed them to release new pending connections, as well. It was informed that on October 1, 2020, a list of new connections of 60,587 new electricity consumers was pending with UHBVN while 24,058 with DHBVN. At the same time, the Commission asked to act more effectively for the satisfaction of electricity consumers so that they do not face any trouble.
Earlier on January 21, Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN) and Haryana Power General Corporation Limited (HPGCL) also conducted virtual public hearings on ARR petitions. Everyone present their views in the virtual public hearing. Director (Tariff) Sh. Sanjay Verma, Director (Technical) Sh. Virender Singh and other senior officers of the Commission were present during the virtual public hearing held in the courtroom of the Commission.

CGRF and Electricity Ombudsman is in active mode
144 complaints received from CGRF (DHBVN) from 1st July to 30th September
101 complaints from 1 July to 30 September in CGRF (UHBVN)
Complaints related to billing, voltage, metering and interruptions in power supply are being heard in CGRF
HERC directed that CGRF chairperson will go to related circle to redress the grievances on the spot
Chandigarh, (20 December, 2020). As many as 245 complaints had been redressed after Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has issued directions to power utilities to visit the concerned circles for resolving the complaints of the electricity consumers through Haryana's Electricity Consumers Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF) and Electricity Ombudsman is in an active mode. Giving further information, an official spokesperson said that the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN)'s CGRF received 101 complaints from July 1 to September 30. Similarly, Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN)'s CGRF received 144 complaints from July 1 to September 30. He said that CGRF listens to the complaints related to billing, voltage, metering, quality, lack of reliability, safety, for the contempt of HERC directions and electricity supply related problems. If the consumer is not satisfied with the CGRF decision then he can forward his complaint to Electricity Ombudsman, upon which the Electricity Ombudsman shall give its decision, he added. He further said that the Electricity Ombudsman will listen to the arguments of both the parties in a virtual hearing and then announce its decision accordingly. He said that as per the information, in the last financial year 2019-20 UHBVN CGRF received 230 complaints and DHBVN CGRF received 535 complaints. Also, Electricity Ombudsman received 40 complaints in the last financial year, he added. He said that to resolve these 40 complaints Lokpal electricity conducted 128 sittings. Most of the complaints were related to metering and electricity bill issues, he added. He said that as per Electricity Ombudsman, Mr. Virender Singh, HERC has issued clear directions that all the complaints of electricity consumers must be redressed in timely manner and to do this, both the CGRF chairmen visit the concerned circles to listen to the consumer complaints. The UHBVN CGRF office is located at Kurukshetra and DHBVN CGRF is in Gurugram, he added. He said that both the CGRF meetings for the concerned circles are generally publicized in advance.

Chandigarh, (08 June, 2020). HERC Chairman Depinder Singh Dhesi, Member Pravindra Singh Chauhan and Member Naresh Sardana signed DISCOMS ARR / Tariff Order on 1st June. Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) of UHBVNL and DHBVNL for the MYT Control Period 2020-21 to FY 2024-2025 and Distribution & Retail Supply Tariff for the FY 2020-21.

1. Concessional Tariff for Agro Industries - Providing a major relief to Agro-Industries, the HERC has created a new Tariff category of Agro Industries/FPO upto 20 kW load. Such units will be charged a concessional tariff of Rs. 4.75 per kWh. Earlier they were being charged a tariff of Rs. 7.05 per kWh. The total benefit that will accrue during 2020-21 is estimated to be Rs. 42.5 Crores. The beneficiaries of this category will be the following:-
   a. Pack House
   b. Grading
   c. Packing
   d. Pre-cooling and ripening chamber
   e. Honey bee keeping
   f. Honey processing
   g. Mushroom farming
   h. Tissue culture
   i. Zinga and Fish Farming
   j. Poultry Farm
   k. Pig Farm
   l. Milk Chilling Plant
   m. Cold Storage
   This was a long pending demand of this category of industries and will give a big boost to the diversification of the rural economy.
2. Pre-Paid Metering - HERC has approved the proposal of DISCOMs for introducing pre-paid metering. It allowed a rebate of 5% on the applicable tariff for consumers availing pre-paid facility. This step will go a long way in improving the billing and collection efficiency.
3. Concessional Tariff for Domestic Consumers - Domestic consumers having consumption upto 150 units per month will continue to enjoy concessional tariff as follows:-

Units Per month	At the rate of
0-50 Units	Rs. 2 per kWh
51-100 Units	Rs. 2.50 per kWh
0-150 Units	Rs. 2.50 per kWh

       Such consumers will stand to gain by Rs. 465 Crores.

      Distribution and Retail Supply tariff for the Domestic Supply Consumers up to consumption of 800 Units per month has been reduced by 42 Paise per unit. Hence, for such consumers the electricity bill will reduce by about 10%. The reduction is on account of subsidy being given by the State Government and reduction, by the Commission of the applicable tariff for the Category II Tariff with per month consumption of 0-150 Units from Rs. 4.50/kWh to Rs. 2.50/kWh with telescopic impact upto a monthly consumption of 800 Units.

4. No increase in Electricity Tariff - Keeping in view, the extraordinary situation arising out of the out break of the pandemic, HERC has decided not to increase the power tariff for any category of consumers. The Commission, to cushion the electricity consumers from possibility of tariff hike given the difficulty faced by HT/LT Industrial Consumers, Commercial Consumers, Railways/DMRC, has not allowed Return on Equity estimated at about Rs. 850 Crore to the Haryana Power Utilities i.e. HPGCL, HVPNL, UHBVNL and DHBVNL.
5. Aggregate Revenue Requirement (ARR) - HERC has worked out the ARR for 2020-21 for Rs. 27,835 Crores. This figure was Rs. 28805 crores in 2019-20.
6. Capital Expenditure Plan - HERC has approved a Capital Expenditure Plan of Rs. 2180 Crores for 2020-21 of the DISCOMs.
7. R.E. Subsidy - The A.P. Sales are estimated to be 9217 million units during 2020-21, for which Power Department will provide R.E. Subsidy of Rs. 6650 Crores during 2020-21.
8. Date of Applicability - The Tariff order of HERC for 2020-21, will be applicable w.e.f. 01.06.2020.
9. Directives to DISCOMs - HERC has given the following directives to DISCOMs:-
   a. Work of installation of 10 lakh smart meters be completed within 6 months.
   b. Facility of pre-paid connection be provided to all consumers having Smart Meters, within six months.
   c. DISCOMs should publish their performance parameters, so that the consumers know how their service provider fares in comparison to the peers.
   d. Haryana should have at least one city (Panchkula or a renowned tourist destination) which is fully solar powered, using Rooftop Solar Generation.
   e. The Backlog of Renewable Purchase Obligation should be cleared and will not be allowed to be carried forward beyond 31.03.2022.

Function of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission
Section 86 of the Electricity Act, 2003 states the functions of State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The following functions shall be discharged by the HERC -

• Determine the tariff for generation, supply, transmission and wheeling of electricity, wholesale, bulk or retail, as the case may by, within the State:
• When open access is permitted by the SERC then SERC shall determine only the wheeling charges and surcharge only;
• Regulate electricity purchase and procurement process of distribution licensees including the price at which electricity shall be procured form the generating companies of licensees or from other sources through agreement for purpose of power for distribution and supply within the State;
• Facilitate intra-State transmission and wheeling of electricity;
• Issue licenses to persons seeking to act as transmission licensees, distribution licensees and electricity traders with respect to their operations within the State;
• Promote cogeneration and generation of electricity from renewable sources of energy by providing suitable measures for connectivity with the grid and sale of electricity to any person, and also specify, for purchase of electricity from such sources, a percentage of the total consumption of electricity in the area of a distribution licensees;
• Adjudicate upon the disputes between the licensees and generating companies and to refer any dispute for arbitration;
• Levy fee for the purpose of this Act;
• Specify State Grid Code consistent with the Indian Electricity Grid Code specified by the CERC;
• Specify of enforce standards with respect to quality, continuity and reliability of service by licensees;
• Fix the trading margin in the intra-State trading of electricity, if considered, necessary;
• Discharge such other functions as may be assigned to it under this Act.

It is also mandated that in discharge of its functions, the State Commission shall be guided by the National Electricity Policy, National Electricity Plan and tariff policy published by the Central Government or the CEA as the case may be.

Advisory role of Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission

The HERC shall advise the State Government on all or any of the following matters, namely:

• Promotion of competition, efficiency and economy in activities of the electricity industry;
• Promotion of investment in electricity industry;
• Recognition and restructuring of electricity industry in the State;
• Matters concerning generation, transmission, distribution and trading of electricity or any other matter referred to the State Commission by that Government.
• The State Commission shall ensure transparency while exercising its powers and discharging its functions.