Gurgaon Residents Voice Strong Opposition to Proposed Electricity Tariff Increase
Resident welfare associations (RWAs) in Gurgaon have mounted a robust challenge against any potential electricity tariff hike for the financial year 2026-27. The United Gurugram RWAs (UGR), an umbrella organization representing approximately 300 RWAs across the city, formally submitted detailed objections during a public hearing conducted by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC). This hearing addressed the Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petitions filed by Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) in November of the previous year.
Discoms Cite Revenue Deficit Despite Surplus Projections
In their petitions, the distribution corporations presented a complex financial picture. They indicated a projected surplus of Rs 1,605.16 crore for FY 2026-27. However, when accounting for the revenue gap from the 2024–25 period, the overall deficit balloons to a staggering Rs 4,484.71 crore. A spokesperson for DHBVN clarified that any decision on altering electricity tariffs would only follow extensive consultations and deliberations, emphasizing that no specific rate hikes have been proposed at this stage.
Historical Context and Consumer Concerns
This is not the first instance of tariff adjustments in recent years. Effective April 2025, electricity rates across Haryana witnessed an increase ranging from 20 to 40 paise per kilowatt-hour (kWh) across various consumer categories, following a revision mandated by the HERC. The last similar adjustment occurred back in 2017.
In a formal letter addressed to the HERC Secretary, UGR convener Praveen Yadav and co-convener Chaitali Mandhotra articulated the residents' stance. They urged the regulatory commission to direct the distribution companies to enhance operational efficiency, expedite the recovery of outstanding dues, and rationalize their cost structures. The association highlighted that the HERC had already sanctioned a significant tariff hike the previous year to bridge a revenue gap of Rs 3,262 crore for FY 2023-24.
The RWAs raised a critical question: Why should conscientious consumers who consistently pay their bills on time bear the brunt of what they perceive as systemic mismanagement within the power distribution framework?
Official Responses and Regulatory Balancing Act
During the public hearing, DHBVN Managing Director Vikram Singh provided operational insights, noting that the corporation serves a vast consumer base of 45.12 lakh customers and has successfully reduced its aggregate technical and commercial losses to 11.67%.
HERC Chairman Nand Lal Sharma underscored the imperative to strengthen, reinforce, and modernize the state's power distribution infrastructure. He reiterated the commission's fundamental responsibility to strike a delicate balance between protecting consumer interests and addressing the legitimate financial requirements of the distribution companies. Sharma emphasized the commitment to ensure that no unnecessary expenditures are passed on to the end-users.
Ongoing Public Consultation Process
The HERC has scheduled further public hearings across Haryana to gather additional stakeholder input. These sessions are set to take place in Panipat on February 24, Hisar on February 25, and Yamunanagar on March 2. This consultative process aims to foster transparency and incorporate diverse perspectives before any final decisions on tariff structures are made for the upcoming financial year.
