Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, reviewed Haryana's power sector performance in New Delhi, with the state committing to launch smart metering works on the ground from 31 August 2026. The high-level meeting, convened by the Ministry of Power, covered the rollout strategy, distribution company finances, and progress under key central schemes.

Smart Metering Rollout Plan

The minister emphasised a phased approach to prepaid smart metering — starting with government consumers and government employees, then extending to high-end consumers with load above 10 kW. Appropriate incentive mechanisms are to be put in place to encourage voluntary conversion among eligible consumers, according to the Ministry of Power statement.

RDSS and Distribution Company Performance

Officials at the meeting reviewed the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), examining both operational and financial parameters of Haryana's distribution companies. Manohar Lal stressed that electricity must be treated as an economic good and that utilities must operate on sound commercial principles. He called for measures to reduce the cost of power purchase, rationalise expenses, and augment revenue.

The minister also underscored the importance of timely settlement of government department dues and subsidies through an automated payment mechanism — a recurring pressure point for state DISCOMs across India.

Loss Reduction and Transmission Planning

Haryana was directed to undertake all loss reduction works on a priority basis with time-bound completion targets. The minister reviewed resource adequacy and intra-state transmission planning, advising the state to resolve outstanding issues and ensure capacity addition keeps pace with demand growth. This comes amid broader Centre-level concerns about distribution losses eating into the financial health of state power utilities.

PM Surya Ghar Scheme and Financial Viability

Progress under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was also on the agenda. Haryana was directed to prepare a focused action plan to expand consumer enrolment under the scheme, which aims to reduce household power costs through rooftop solar adoption.

Manohar Lal noted that sustained efforts would go a long way in making Haryana's state DISCOMs financially viable and the state power sector self-sufficient, assuring continued Central government support. Anil Vij, Haryana's Minister for Power, assured the state would take all necessary steps to implement the sanctioned works and improve overall sector performance.

With the 31 August 2026 deadline now formally on record, the pace of ground-level procurement and installation will determine whether Haryana can deliver on its commitment.