Chandigarh: Industry representatives, urban consumers and farmers from Gurugram and Nuh on Tuesday supported the proposal for parallel electricity distribution licensing during a public hearing of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), saying it would improve reliability, expand access to renewable power and provide consumers with a choice of suppliers.At the hearing in Panchkula, stakeholders clarified that parallel licensing under the Electricity Act, 2003 does not amount to privatisation. They said the existing distribution utility would continue to operate while a second licensed distributor could serve the same area, allowing consumers to choose between suppliers. Petitioner Eleven Power informed the commission that it has infused Rs 91 crore as equity for the first phase of the proposed project.Gurgaon Industrial Association president Sumit Rao said industries require reliable electricity and green power to reduce carbon emissions and remain competitive in export markets. Gurugram resident Kapil Chandana said inadequate power supply has hampered installation of EV charging infrastructure in residential societies, expressing hope that competition would improve services.Farmer Rohit Adhana from Sohna said erratic electricity supply affects irrigation, drinking water for cattle and milk preservation, adding that improved reliability during the sowing season would benefit the rural economy.The HERC is hearing views on the proposal before taking a decision on the application. MSID:: 132264384 413 |
