Haryana to face strict action on power cuts as Vij orders uninterrupted supply

Haryana energy minister Anil Vij on Friday directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the state, stating that instructions issued by the energy department must be effectively implemented.

Vij was chairing a review meeting with senior officials of the energy department in Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Energy Department Commissioner and Secretary Ashima Brar, along with the managing directors of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam.

According to an official statement, while reviewing power disruptions over the past six months, Vij directed that outages must not exceed two hours in urban areas and four hours in rural areas. He warned that strict action will be taken against officials concerned, especially superintending engineers, if these limits are breached, including suspension in serious cases.

The meeting noted that approximately Rs 8,247 crore is to be recovered from defaulting consumers, including Rs 3,573 crore by Uttar Haryana discom and Rs 4,674 crore by Dakshin Haryana discoms. Additionally, Rs 585 crore is to be recovered from government departments. Officials were directed to expedite recovery efforts.

Emphasising the need for quick replacement of transformers, Vij instructed that maintenance staff must be equipped with proper tools, safety gear, and transformer trolleys during repair work. He also directed that new power substations should not be set up in waterlogged areas and, if unavoidable, must be constructed at least two feet above the expected water level.

Reviewing power theft cases, Vij directed that all pending cases be presented in court within the next three months. He said 179 people have been arrested in such cases this year. A total of 39,529 FIRs were registered in 2024-25 and 56,953 in 2025-26. The vigilance wing assured timely submission of all cases in court.

He further stated that consumers with pending dues who have taken new connections on the same property will face action. A total of 3,224 such cases have been identified. Three-member teams will be formed to complete action within three months.

The minister also directed that all government buildings in the state must have solar systems installed within one year to make Haryana a leader in this sector. Calling it a flagship programme, he stressed focused implementation and directed maximum coverage under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, particularly for eligible low-income households.

A revolving fund of Rs 200 crore has been set up for this purpose.