Power consumers to shell out more under ‘Open Access Policy’

Certain categories of power consumers across Haryana will have to pay more as the Power Department has increased surcharge under the 'Open Access Policy'.

“An amount of Rs 1.15/kWh (a unit of energy representing 1,000 watt hours) shall be the additional surcharge applicable to the consumers of the Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN), who avail power under the ‘Open Access Policy” from any source other the distribution licencees,” an order issued by the department said.

Earlier, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) had approved the proposal to hike the surcharge, which was moved by power discoms. "The order will be applicable from the date of the HERC order—November 18, 2024,” the order said.

The Haryana Government has come out with “Open Access Policy” to tide over power crisis, under which consumers with large demand can import power from any generation sources outside the state.

A department official explained that bulk consumers having 1 Megawatt (MW) and above contracted demand being supplied through an independent feeder can source the power requirement from outside Haryana. "Open access helps the state in improving its power availability for other sectors, including domestic and commercial sectors,” he stated.

Certain consumers, including call centres, information technology sector, continuous process industries and large office complexes, are some of the consumers that draw power through the access policy.

What the policy means

• Under 'Open Access Policy', consumers with large demand can import power from any generation sources outside the state

• Consumers, such as call centres, IT sector, continuous process industries and large office complexes draw power through open access

• It helps the state government tide over crisis, help in improving power supply to domestic, commercial sectors