Power commission notifies key amendments to ease electricity rules

In a significant move aimed at simplifying electricity procedures and promoting consumer-friendly governance, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has notified the 6th Amendment to the Haryana Electricity Supply Code Regulations, 2014. The amendment has come into immediate effect upon publication in the official state gazette and applies across Haryana.

Among the key changes is a major relief for farmers, who until now bore the financial burden of replacing or repairing distribution transformers in case of theft. The Commission has now removed this provision, acknowledging the economic strain it caused.

Another notable amendment offers farmers cost-free support for relocating their agricultural power (AP) connections. If a connection needs to be shifted within a 70-metre radius of its original site on the same landholding — due to issues such as borewell failure, government land acquisition, or water salinity — the entire relocation cost will be borne by the licensee. This expense will then be adjusted through the licensee’s Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR).

Describing the amendments as transformative, HERC Chairperson Nand Lal Sharma said: “This regulation is a historic step toward empowering consumer rights and extending genuine relief to farmers. It will make the electricity system more transparent, accountable, and technically robust.”