Haryana Power Minister Issues Strict Directives to Curb Electricity Outages
In a decisive move to address persistent power supply issues, Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij has issued stringent instructions to electricity distribution companies (discoms) regarding outage durations. During a review meeting with senior energy department officials on Saturday, Vij mandated that power cuts in urban areas must not exceed two hours at a time, while rural areas should face no more than four hours of continuous outages.
Failure to adhere to these directives will result in strict punishment, the minister warned. He emphasized that superintending engineers will be held directly accountable for compliance, with suspension possible in serious cases of negligence. This action comes amid frequent summer outages reported across Haryana, where power cuts often stretch for hours despite adequate supply at the grid level.
Addressing Infrastructure and Maintenance Challenges
Vij identified poor maintenance and faulty equipment as primary causes of disruptions during peak load periods. He stressed the urgent need for quick transformer replacement and proper equipment for maintenance staff. "Maintenance teams must be equipped with proper tools, safety gear, and transformer trolleys during repair work," Vij stated, adding that all necessary safety equipment will be provided within two days.
The minister also provided specific guidelines for substation construction and maintenance:
- New substations should not be established in waterlogged areas
- If unavoidable, substations must be built at least 2 feet above expected water levels with mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
- Tree pruning near power lines must be completed before monsoon season to prevent storm-related disruptions
Crackdown on Power Theft and Billing Irregularities
In a significant move against electricity theft, Minister Vij ordered that all pending cases be presented in court within three months. He revealed that 179 individuals have been arrested this year for power theft offenses, with 39,529 FIRs registered in 2024-25 and 56,953 FIRs registered in 2025-26.
The minister also addressed cases where consumers with pending dues obtained new connections on the same property. Under Rule-8, officials responsible for overseeing such violations will face charges. A total of 3,224 such cases have been identified, and three-member teams have been tasked with resolving them within three months.
Vision for Haryana's Energy Sector
Vij articulated a broader vision to position Haryana as a leader in the energy sector while ensuring uninterrupted, quality power supply to residents. He announced that awards will be given to top-performing circles for implementing solar systems in government buildings and effectively executing the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
The comprehensive review meeting covered multiple aspects of power distribution, from infrastructure maintenance to enforcement against electricity theft, reflecting the government's commitment to improving the state's power supply reliability and efficiency.
