Full Breakdown
Haryana Power Employees Strike Over Private Distribution Licence
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The Licence Grant and Planned Strike
On October 19 the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) issued an order granting Eleven Power Private Limited a 25-year parallel electricity-distribution licence for the Gurugram and Nuh districts. The licence, under Section 14 of the Electricity Act, 2003, would let more than 8.3 lakh households, farms, shops, industrial units and offices choose between the state-run Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) and the private operator. In response, the Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Front announced a three-day statewide strike from October 22 to October 24.
Background and Context
Parallel licences are permitted by the central Electricity Act, which allows any eligible applicant to approach the regulator. HERC is an autonomous body created under that legislation. The state government has opposed the grant, arguing that it was made without its invitation and that it undermines the public-sector utility. Earlier assurances to unions were given on August 10, but the licence was still awarded a week later. Opposition parties, farmer organisations and several employee unions have described the move as a back-door privatisation.
Data and Statistics
- 8.3 lakh consumers in Gurugram and Nuh would be eligible for dual distribution.
- Eleven Power projects annual electricity sales to rise from about 12,220 million units in FY 2024-25 to 18,224 million units by FY 2030-31.
- The firm proposes an investment of Rs 4,717 crore over five years, with a phased rollout that includes Nuh from the first phase.
- Gurugram contributes nearly one-third of DHBVN’s revenue.
- The INLD estimates the licence could generate cross-subsidy losses of roughly Rs 3,000 crore and revenue losses up to Rs 4,272 crore for the state utility.
Official Statements & Responses
Power and Energy Minister Anil Vij said the state had never invited applications for privatisation and that the licence was granted solely on the basis of a private petition. He announced the government would file an appeal and a stay petition with APTEL within five to six days, and that the case could be taken to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh ordered electricity officials to maintain uninterrupted supply to hospitals, water-supply facilities and metro operations throughout the strike period.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda warned the move could raise tariffs for farmers and the poor, noting Gurugram’s substantial revenue share.
On-the-Ground Reports
Employees across Haryana burned effigies of Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and HERC Chairman Mukesh Garg in cities such as Hisar, Bhiwani and Kaithal. Copies of the HERC order were incinerated at more than 300 power sub-divisions on October 21. Approximately 40,000 electricity employees and engineers participated in the strike, affecting power and water supplies, industrial production and other essential services. The Haryana Power Generation Corporation and the Haryana Vidyut Prasaran Nigam also reported likely participation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact timeline for filing the legal challenge. While the statutory period to appeal is 45 days, the government has pledged to submit the appeal and stay petition within five to six days. No source confirms whether the appeal has already been filed, leaving the status of the legal challenge uncertain.
What’s Next
The state government plans to file an appeal and seek an interim stay of the HERC order before APTEL within the next five to six days. A further phase of the agitation, including additional actions, is scheduled for October 24.