Haryana to Begin Smart Meter Installation Drive from August 31, Says Power Minister Manohar Lal

Chandigarh, June 2: Union Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal reviewed the performance and future roadmap of Haryana’s power sector during a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening electricity distribution, improving financial health of utilities, and accelerating reforms in the state’s power sector.

Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij, senior state government officials, representatives from the Union Ministry of Power, and executives of power sector public sector undertakings attended the review meeting.

During the discussions, Manohar Lal stressed the importance of operating power utilities on commercially sustainable principles. He emphasized reducing power procurement costs, controlling operational expenses, and enhancing revenue generation to ensure long-term financial stability of distribution companies (DISCOMs).

Reviewing the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the Union Minister noted improvements in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses but urged the state to further strengthen efficiency measures and reduce losses.

A key highlight of the meeting was the progress of smart metering in Haryana. The state government informed the Minister that on-ground installation of smart meters will commence from August 31, 2026. Manohar Lal called for speedy execution of the project and recommended a phased rollout, beginning with government departments, employees, and high-consumption consumers using more than 10 kW load.

The Minister also advocated the adoption of automated systems for timely settlement of government dues and subsidy payments to improve the financial position of DISCOMs.

Addressing future electricity demand, he reviewed Haryana’s resource adequacy plans and transmission infrastructure development. He directed officials to resolve pending issues and ensure timely capacity expansion to meet growing power requirements.

The progress of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also assessed during the meeting. The Union Minister instructed the state to prepare a focused strategy to increase consumer participation in the rooftop solar scheme, which is expected to lower electricity costs for households.

Manohar Lal expressed confidence that sustained reforms and efficient implementation of ongoing projects would help make Haryana’s power sector more self-reliant and financially viable. He assured continued support from the Central Government for the state’s power sector development.

Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij reiterated the state government’s commitment to executing sanctioned projects and improving overall power sector performance across the state.