Prepare power purchase plan for winter: Himachal CM Sukhu

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today directed the Himachal Pradesh Energy Management Centre (HPEMC) to prepare an action plan for power purchase in view of the upcoming winter season.

Sukhu, while presiding over a meeting of the HPEMC here, said that since water flow into rivers declined during the winter due to snowfall in higher reaches, it was essential to plan electricity purchase in advance to ensure its uninterrupted supply at economical rates. “The state government has established the HPEMC with a view to efficiently manage the sale and purchase of electricity, maximise revenue and minimise power procurement costs,” he added.

The Chief Minister said that the HPEMC would play a pivotal role in energy trading and securing optimum financial benefits for the state. He added that the centre should function with the highest level of professionalism to ensure maximum returns and transparency in its operations.

He said that the Congress government had in its very first Budget set a target of making Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by March 31, 2026, and consistent efforts were being made to achieve it.

Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Director Energy Rakesh Prajapati, Director Finance (HPSEBL) Anurag Chander Sharma, Special Secretary Shubhkaran Singh and other senior officers of the Energy Department attended the meeting.