Haryana Opposition Leader Hooda Slams BJP's Solar Scheme and Electricity Tariff Hikes
In a scathing critique delivered on Thursday, Haryana's Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda accused the state's BJP government of systematically deceiving electricity consumers. Speaking from Chandigarh, Hooda alleged that the administration has adopted a policy of offering subsidies only to retract them, particularly under the banner of the 'Solar for Every Home' initiative.
Solar Scheme Criticized as a 'Cheat' on Consumers
Bhupinder Singh Hooda stated that while the government publicly promotes solar energy adoption, it simultaneously imposes expensive fixed charges on consumers who install solar systems. He explained that if a solar consumer's electricity generation falls even slightly short of their consumption in any given month, the government slaps them with a hefty fixed charge, resulting in a full electricity bill.
"What benefit does the consumer get from installing solar panels in such a scenario?" Hooda questioned, highlighting what he called a contradictory approach to renewable energy policy.
Proposed Electricity Tariff Increases for 2026-27
The opposition leader revealed that the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) have proposed a substantial 15%-17% increase in electricity tariffs for the fiscal year 2026-27. Hooda warned that this proposal would place an additional burden on domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers alike, subjecting the public to what he described as "another shock of expensive electricity."
Previous Tariff Changes Already Burdening Consumers
Referring to electricity rate modifications implemented last year, Hooda asserted that the BJP administration had already delivered a major shock to the public by altering tariff slabs. "By increasing electricity prices four-fold from April 2025, the government broke the back of the common man," he declared.
To illustrate his point, Hooda provided a concrete example: "The electricity bills of consumers who earlier paid Rs 900 now suddenly rose to Rs 4000. This is because the government imposed a fixed charge of Rs 75 per kilowatt and also made significant changes to the tariff slabs."
Broader Implications for Haryana's Energy Consumers
The opposition leader's comments come amid growing concerns about energy affordability in Haryana. Hooda's critique suggests a pattern of what he characterizes as deceptive practices:
- Promotion of solar energy with one hand while imposing punitive charges with the other
- Proposed double-digit percentage increases in electricity tariffs for the coming years
- Previous tariff restructuring that dramatically increased consumer bills
- A fixed charge structure that negates the benefits of solar installation for many households
Hooda's statements position the electricity pricing issue as a central concern for Haryana residents across all consumer categories, from domestic households to commercial enterprises and industrial operations.
