Mon Jun 30 19:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Senior Congress leader Sampat Singh has filed a review petition with the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) challenging the recent electricity tariff hike in Haryana, which has led to widespread protests. He argues the hike is a “tariff shock” and questions the pricing mechanisms of power utilities, citing high transmission losses passed onto consumers. Industrial associations are also protesting the hike, while Power Minister Anil Vij defends the revision, claiming it benefits the majority of consumers and that Haryana’s tariffs are lower than neighboring states.

**News Article:**

**Haryana Faces Electricity Tariff Uproar as Congress Leader Challenges HERC Hike**

GURUGRAM, July 1, 2025 – A storm is brewing in Haryana over recent electricity tariff hikes, as Senior Congress leader and former Minister Sampat Singh has filed a review petition with the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC), escalating the public outcry. The tariff revision, which took effect in April, has sparked widespread protests from consumer groups and industrial associations alike.

Singh, at a press conference in Chandigarh, condemned the HERC’s order as a “tariff shock,” impacting consumers across all categories. His petition seeks a public hearing to address concerns about the pricing mechanism of power utilities, alleging that consumers are unfairly burdened with high transmission and distribution losses. He claims utilities purchase power at ₹3.12 per unit but sell it at an average of ₹7.29 per unit.

Industrial associations, including the Manesar Industries Welfare Association, have joined the chorus of dissent, writing to Power Minister Anil Vij and Chief Minister Nayab Saini to demand a rollback of what they call an “additional financial burden” on businesses.

However, Minister Vij has defended the tariff revision, stating that approximately 94% of consumers fall under categories where bills have actually decreased. He also asserts that Haryana’s electricity tariffs remain competitive compared to neighboring states, highlighting significantly lower fixed and energy charges. The minister maintains there has been no change in the electricity tariff for agricultural consumers.

The situation remains tense as the HERC considers Singh’s petition. This battle over electricity pricing underscores the ongoing debate between consumer welfare, industrial competitiveness, and the financial viability of power utilities in Haryana. The commission will need to balance these competing interests to reach a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders.

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