The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has scheduled crucial public hearings in Panchkula to deliberate on electricity tariffs for the upcoming financial year 2026-27. The hearings, set for January 7 and 8, will address petitions filed by the state's power distribution and transmission corporations, seeking significant revenue requirements.
Key Dates and Details for Consumer Participation
The commission has proactively invited objections, suggestions, and comments from the public on the filed petitions. Electricity consumers across Haryana have until January 4 to submit their feedback. All relevant petition documents are available for public scrutiny on the official websites of the concerned utilities: Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN), Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), and HERC itself.
The public hearing process is split over two days. On January 7, the hearing will focus on petitions from Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam (HVPN) and Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL), which were filed on November 26, 2025. The following day, January 8, will be dedicated to the petitions from the two distribution companies (DISCOMs), UHBVN and DHBVN.
Substantial Revenue Requirements Sought by DISCOMs
UHBVN and DHBVN formally submitted their Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR) petitions for FY 2026-27 to HERC on November 28, 2025. These petitions are comprehensive, also incorporating the True-Up for FY 2024-25, confirming the completion of the audit for that period.
The financial figures involved are substantial. For the True-Up exercise of FY 2024-25, the two distribution corporations have collectively sought an ARR of ₹48,394.77 crore. Looking ahead to FY 2026-27, the combined ARR being requested by UHBVN and DHBVN amounts to ₹51,156.71 crore.
Official Proceedings and Legal Framework
All objections and suggestions received from consumers and utilities will be formally recorded during the hearings in the presence of HERC's full bench. The proceedings will be overseen by HERC chairman Nand Lal Sharma along with commission members Mukesh Garg and Shiv Kumar.
The Commission's authority to decide on the ARR is derived from Sections 62 and 64 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Furthermore, the law mandates a strict timeline for resolution. As per Section 64(3) of the Electricity Act, 2003, HERC is required to pass its final order on these petitions within 120 days from the date of their filing, ensuring a time-bound decision-making process.
This public hearing represents a critical opportunity for Haryana's electricity consumers to voice their opinions on proposed tariffs that will impact household and commercial budgets for the next financial year. The outcome will directly influence the final power rates approved by the regulator after considering all stakeholder inputs.
