Himachal's Power Crisis: Chief Secretary Demands Urgent Action on HPSEBL's Mounting Debts

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a looming energy crisis, as the state's Chief Secretary, Prabodh Saxena, has sounded a serious alarm regarding the precarious financial health and operational inefficiencies plaguing the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL). In a high-stakes review meeting, Saxena minced no words, highlighting a staggering burden of outstanding dues amounting to an astonishing Rs 3574.65 crore – a sum that threatens to destabilize the very backbone of the state's power infrastructure.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the breakdown of these colossal debts.

Government departments themselves are significant defaulters, owing a substantial Rs 711.23 crore to the HPSEBL. Adding to this financial quagmire, domestic consumers collectively owe a colossal Rs 1971.86 crore, while commercial enterprises contribute a further Rs 224.78 crore to the ever-growing pile of unpaid bills.

Saxena's directive was unequivocal: an immediate and aggressive campaign for the timely recovery of these long-standing dues is paramount, emphasizing that every single rupee collected is vital for the board's operational viability and future investments.

Beyond the immediate debt crisis, the Chief Secretary also shone a spotlight on the critical need to curtail technical and commercial (T&C) losses.

While HPSEBL's current T&C losses stand at 12.33%, a figure commendably lower than the national average of 15-17%, Saxena stressed that complacency is not an option. He urged the board to intensify efforts to further reduce these losses, which directly impact the utility's profitability and efficiency.

This reduction is crucial for ensuring that every unit of electricity generated is accounted for and revenue-generating, preventing wastage that drains vital resources.

A significant part of these losses stems from prevalent issues such as electricity theft, unauthorized connections, and outdated infrastructure.

Saxena specifically mandated the installation of smart meters across all government departments as a crucial first step, a move aimed at enhancing transparency, accurate billing, and reducing pilferage. This initiative is expected to set a precedent for broader smart meter implementation, revolutionizing how electricity consumption is monitored and managed across the state.

The Chief Secretary also emphasized a renewed focus on improving consumer services and ensuring prompt resolution of complaints.

Recognizing that a robust power utility is not just about supply but also about service, he called for a more responsive and customer-centric approach. This includes streamlining complaint redressal mechanisms and actively engaging with consumers to build trust and satisfaction.

Furthermore, the meeting delved into the progress of various ongoing projects designed to modernize and strengthen Himachal's power sector.

These include ambitious solarization initiatives, the establishment of new substations to bolster distribution networks, and the widespread adoption of energy-efficient LED street lighting. Saxena underscored the importance of accelerating these projects, which are pivotal for both energy security and environmental sustainability.

Addressing the human capital aspect, Saxena acknowledged the pressing need to fill vacant posts for engineers and technical staff within HPSEBL.

He highlighted that a well-staffed and skilled workforce is indispensable for maintaining, operating, and expanding the state's power infrastructure efficiently. He also advocated for the greater integration of modern technology and advanced equipment, urging the board to embrace innovation to enhance overall service delivery, reliability, and operational effectiveness.

Himachal Pradesh, it seems, is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its power sector, with a clear mandate for financial discipline, technological advancement, and unparalleled service excellence.