Khattar asks Haryana’s power bodies to ensure zero-loss transmission, distribution

Chandigarh: Union power minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday asked Haryana's power utilities to accelerate reforms and work towards near-zero transmission and distribution losses, saying the state's rising electricity demand must be matched by a modern, efficient and reliable power network.Chairing a meeting at Haryana Niwas, attended by state energy minister Anil Vij and senior officials, Khattar stressed the need to improve revenue realisation, reduce technical and commercial losses, and narrow the gap between power supplied and billed consumption.Officials informed that aggregate line losses had fallen from 34% in 2013-14 to significantly lower levels, but did not specify the extent. Expressing satisfaction over the improvement, Khattar directed authorities to intensify reform measures.The Union minister also reviewed the rollout of prepaid and smart meters, directing that prepaid metering be implemented in phases, beginning with govt offices, public buildings and residences of govt employees. Vij announced all new electricity consumers in Haryana would be provided smart meters in future.Khattar said Haryana's contracted power capacity of 16,552 MW was adequate to meet the projected peak demand of 16,454 MW this year, but noted that demand could rise to nearly 19,500 MW by 2029-30, underscoring the need for long-term planning.He also reviewed progress under the ‘PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana' and asked officials to prioritise small and middle-income households. Haryana aims to install 2.2 lakh rooftop solar systems this year, with nearly 86,000 already installed.The minister lauded the success of the ‘Mhara Gaon, Jagmag Gaon' initiative, under which 6,117 villages are receiving round-the-clock electricity.