*Strict directions by Energy Minister Anil Vij: Uninterrupted and quality power supply to be ensured in Haryana*

*Crackdown on power cuts: Action if outages exceed 2 hours in urban areas and 4 hours in rural areas – Anil Vij*

*Haryana to become No. 1 in solar: Solar systems mandatory in government buildings; top-performing circles to be awarded – Vij*

*Major action against power theft and defaulters: All pending cases to be presented in court within 3 months – Vij*

*Transparency initiative in power department: Statewide online portal to be developed for equipment procurement – Vij*

*Pre-monsoon preparedness intensified: No substations in waterlogged areas; tree pruning along power lines directed – Vij*

Chandigarh, April 10: Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij today issued key directions and guiding principles to officers of the Energy Department with the aim of making the state a leader in the power sector. He directed that effective implementation must be ensured so that consumers receive uninterrupted and quality electricity supply. He also announced that under the effective implementation of solar systems in government buildings and the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, the top three performing circles will be awarded.

The minister was chairing a review meeting of senior Energy Department officers from across the state in Chandigarh. The meeting was attended by Energy Department Commissioner and Secretary Mrs. Ashima Brar and Managing Director of Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam, Sh. Bikram Singh. At the beginning of the meeting, Sh. Vij appreciated the efforts of the department, stating that despite the Additional Chief Secretary’s post remaining vacant for a long time, there has been no major disruption and the functioning of the department has continued smoothly.

*Power outages should not exceed two hours in urban areas and four hours in rural areas – Vij*

Reviewing power disruptions over the past six months, he clearly directed that outages must not exceed two hours in urban areas and four hours in rural areas. Strict action will be taken against concerned officials, especially Superintending Engineers, if this limit is crossed, including suspension in serious cases.

*Maintenance staff must have necessary equipment during repairs – Vij*

Emphasizing the quick replacement of transformers, he directed that maintenance staff must be equipped with proper tools, safety gear, and transformer trolleys during repair work. The Commissioner and Secretary assured that all necessary safety equipment will be provided within two days.

*Directions issued for maintenance and upgradation of substations – Vij*

He further directed that new power substations should not be set up in waterlogged areas, and if unavoidable, they must be constructed at least two feet above the expected water level. Obtaining an NOC from the concerned department will be mandatory. Instructions were also issued for proper maintenance and upgradation of substations. Tree pruning near power lines must be completed before the monsoon to avoid disruptions during storms.

*Dedicated online portal for transparent procurement – Vij*

To improve transparency and coordination in procurement, Sh. Vij directed the development of a dedicated online portal. This portal will contain details of all equipment used across the state to prevent duplication and ensure optimal utilization. It will also include an admin dashboard for monitoring demand and planning purchases.

*All power theft cases to be presented in court within three months – Vij*

Reviewing power theft cases, he directed that all pending cases be presented in court within the next three months. He informed that 179 people have been arrested in such cases this year. A total of 39,529 FIRs were registered in 2024–25 and 56,953 in 2025–26. The vigilance wing assured timely submission of all cases in court.

*Charge sheets to be filed under Rule-8 against defaulters – Vij*

He stated that consumers with pending dues who have taken new connections on the same property will face action under Rule-8, and charge sheets will be filed. A total of 3,224 such cases have been identified. Three-member teams will be formed to complete action within three months.

*₹8,247 crore to be recovered from defaulters; ₹585 crore from government departments – Vij*

Approximately ₹8,247 crore is to be recovered from defaulting consumers, including ₹3,573 crore by Uttar Haryana and ₹4,674 crore by Dakshin Haryana discoms. Additionally, ₹585 crore is to be recovered from government departments. Officials have been directed to expedite recovery efforts.

*Solar systems to be installed in all government buildings within one year – Vij*

The minister directed that all government buildings in the state must have solar systems installed within one year to make Haryana a leader in this sector. Calling it a flagship programme, he stressed focused implementation. He also directed maximum coverage under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, especially for eligible low-income households. A revolving fund of ₹200 crore has been set up for this purpose. He announced that officers achieving the highest number of solar installations in their circles will be awarded.

He also directed issuance of show-cause notices to officials in Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Panchkula, and Yamunanagar for laxity in recovery under the Land Recovery Act. The meeting also covered strengthening of power distribution infrastructure, deployment of maintenance staff, grievance redressal mechanisms, and operational efficiency.

Senior officers including Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, and others from across the state were present on the occasion.