Electricity regulatory body pushes for solar power

Raman Sharma, whose domestic electricity consumption is roughly 9kv per month, has been allowed to use 5 kv of power supplied from the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) and extract additional 4kv from solar panel.

Raman Sharma, whose domestic electricity consumption is roughly 9kv per month, has been allowed to use 5 kv of power supplied from the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitaran Nigam (DHBVN) and extract additional 4kv from solar panel.

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In a hearing on Wednesday, a group of four officials of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) told the officials of the DHBVN to visit Sharma's house at Malibu Towne to carry out formalities.

"You need to submit a written proof that the 5kv solar panel system will be used for your individual domestic (non-commercial) purpose only," SL Kansal, director, technical, HERC, told Sharma.

The HERC's direction has made the way easy for other 250 applicants who are living in private developers' areas, Sohna Road, and want to install solar panel on their rooftops.

The DHBVN had been creating hindrances for the applicants by way of harassing them and forcing them to pay 9 kv electricity bills. On direction of HERC, the DHBVN on Wednesday accepted Sharma's plea to pay to the DHBVN monthly bills of only for 5kv consumption.

The distribution company earlier refused to accept the deducted amount, saying there was no such provision in their rule book in this regard.

"The DHBVN officials threatened me of imposing a fine if I fail to pay the total bill," said Sharma.

The HERC also asked superintending engineer Sanjiv Chopra to punish those officials who misguide consumers.