INLD claims Haryana govt planning to privatise power distribution in Gurugram, Nuh

Chandigarh, Jul 9 (PTI) Indian National Lok Dal on Thursday claimed that the state government is planning to award electricity distribution work in Gurugram and Nuh to a private company. INLD senior leader and patron Sampat Singh told reporters here that this is not a reform in the power sector but an attempt to transfer public assets, government infrastructure, and revenue into private hands. Singh questioned the government's intention regarding "electricity privatisation". He noted that 42 per cent of state power utility DHBVN's revenue comes from Gurugram district. "Line losses in Gurugram district are significantly lower compared to the rest of the state, while the state's line loss is 10.02 per cent, Gurugram's figure is 4.70 per cent. Gurugram is generating full revenue from electricity," said Singh. "Why is the government privatising power companies that are already profitable?" he asked. "Privatising loss-making companies might have been understandable. Electricity is not merely a manufactured product; it is an essential necessity. A conspiracy is being hatched to loot Gurugram. The state's power infrastructure is public property; the privatisation of the power company's revenue and infrastructure will not be allowed," Singh, a former minister, said. During the hearing held at the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission on Wednesday regarding "privatisation", the INLD opposed the privatisation of electricity in Gurugram by raising 112 points, he said, adding that this battle would be a long one. Meanwhile, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has constituted an independent expert committee through an interim order issued on Thursday in connection with a petition seeking the grant of an electricity distribution licence in Nuh and Gurugram districts. The commission observed that, considering the magnitude of the proposed investment, its long-term implications for the power sector in Haryana, its potential impact on consumers, the existing distribution licensee, the transmission system, and the overall regulatory framework, an independent and impartial expert assessment of the matter is essential. The three-member committee will be chaired by Alok Nigam, former Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana. The other members are Ravinder Kumar Sharma, a senior power sector expert, and Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra, an expert in finance and commercial affairs. All three members possess extensive experience in the power sector, public utilities, finance, technical matters, and regulatory affairs. According to the interim order, the committee will examine all pleadings, replies, objections, submissions, and other relevant records filed by the petitioner, respondents, and intervenors. It will then submit a clear and reasoned report on whether the petitioner has complied with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (Transmission and Distribution Licensing) Regulations, 2004, and the applicable rules relating to capital adequacy, creditworthiness, and the code of conduct for the grant of a distribution licence. According to an official statement on Thursday, the commission has further clarified that the panel will function as an independent expert body, and its report will be recommendatory in nature. The committee will commence its work on July 13 and submit its report to the commission within 15 days. PTI SUN BAL BAL