Haryana Power Staff Call Three-Day Strike Over Private Distribution Licence

Haryana electricity employees and engineers have announced a three-day Statewide strike starting Thursday to protest against a 25-year parallel electricity distribution licence granted to a private firm in Gurugram and Nuh.

Reactions and Opposition

The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission issued the order on October 19, giving Eleven Power Private Limited the licence under Section 14 of the Electricity Act, 2003. This allows over 8.3 lakh consumers across Gurugram and Nuh to pick between two power distribution companies. Haryana Power Minister Anil Vij stated that the autonomous body took this step despite State opposition, and the government will challenge it before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity. Meanwhile, the Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Front warned that the move will weaken the State-owned Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam by giving away high-revenue zones. Farmers' organisations and the Opposition have also strongly criticized the decision.

Concerns and Demands

Bharatiya Kisan Union State president Rattan Mann demanded the licence be cancelled, noting that poor households and farmers in Nuh might lose subsidised power since no written guarantee exists. He also warned that higher tariffs could push up business costs in Gurugram and Manesar, and announced a joint mahapanchayat in Nuh within 15 days. Indian National Lok Dal patron Sampat Singh called the move a severe blow to the public power sector. On the other hand, Eleven Power stated in its petition that it will supply power fairly to all consumers, build its network across five divisions in phases over five years, and release new connections according to official codes.

Context

Parallel licensing allows multiple power distribution companies to operate in the same area, giving customers a choice similar to telecom networks. Rapidly growing urban and industrial hubs often face high power demand, leading utilities and regulators to test private participation to improve infrastructure and handle rising loads.