Chandigarh, September 24 – In order to strengthen Haryana in the power sector, a high-level meeting was held yesterday evening at Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi, under the chairmanship of Union Power Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, to discuss key issues concerning Haryana’s energy sector amid rising electricity demand. Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij, along with senior officers from the Union Ministry of Power and the Haryana Energy Department, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, Haryana Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij said, “Energy is the lifeline of any nation, and a robust energy infrastructure is the cornerstone of a self-reliant India. In line with this vision, Haryana will establish new 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal units in Panipat and Hisar. Once operational, these projects will significantly enhance the state’s electricity availability and meet the growing energy demand.”
Sh. Vij highlighted that Haryana, a major contributor to the national GDP, looks forward to full support and assistance from the Government of India to strengthen its energy sector. In response, the Union Power Minister assured that all necessary support and assistance under government policies and schemes would be fully extended to Haryana.
The discussion covered several key projects in the meeting, including the Haryana Power Generation Corporation Limited (HPGCL) plan to set up 800 MW ultra-supercritical thermal units in Hisar and Panipat. These units are expected to substantially increase power availability in Haryana and meet the rising energy demand. The Union Power Minister directed concerned officers to facilitate coal linkage and other requirements to expedite these projects. Additionally, challenges related to the limited availability of quality biomass pellets were discussed, and the Union Minister instructed officers of Ministry of Power for appropriate solutions.
*Upgrading Transmission Infrastructure for Reliable Power Supply*
Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam Limited (HVPNL) proposed re-conductoring HTLS conductors in place of existing ACSR conductors to enhance transmission capacity and maintain grid reliability. The Union Ministry advised submitting a formal PSDF fund proposal for consideration. Progress on the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and expediting contract awards in DHBVNL were also reviewed. UHBVNL requested approval for SCADA and upgradation projects for Sonipat and Jhajjar, which were duly noted.
*Smart Meter Implementation to Prioritize Consumer Data Security*
The meeting also reviewed smart meter implementation, discussing both TOTEX and CAPEX models. The Union Ministry emphasized studying the TOTEX model used in neighboring states (e.g., Rajasthan) to ensure prompt implementation in Haryana without delays. Both Ministers emphasised that consumer data security must remain the highest priority in all deployment strategies.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Expansion
Considering the rising peak electricity demand, Haryana Energy Minister requested an increase in BESS allocation from 500 MW to 1500 MW. The Union Power Minister asked for a detailed proposal highlighting installation sites and capacities for consideration by the Ministry.
Discussions also covered the PM-Surya Ghar : Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG:MBY) rooftop solar initiative. The Union Ministry recommended adopting the Utility-Level Aggregator (ULA) model to enhance rooftop solar initiative. Sh. Vij stated that “Promoting renewable energy is not just a choice for today, but a necessary commitment for future generations.”
The meeting also reviewed PM-KUSUM progress, with Haryana ranked second nationwide in implementing Component ‘B’. The Ministers directed fast-tracking progress and ensuring Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signings by 31 December 2025.