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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh residents raise red flags over power tariff hike proposal at JERC hearing
Residents vehemently opposed the proposed hike in electricity tariffs during a public hearing conducted by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) on Friday. The hearing was held in response to a petition submitted by Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), seeking approval for revised tariffs for the financial years 2025-26 to 2029-30. Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited has projected a cumulative revenue gap of ₹ 982 crore (excluding carrying costs) over the next five years and has requested a suitable tariff revision to cover the shortfall. (HT File Photo for representation) In its petition, CPDL stated that the projected revenue from power sales at the current rates is insufficient to meet the estimated costs of efficient electricity distribution. The utility company has projected a cumulative revenue gap of ₹982 crore (excluding carrying costs) over the next five years and has requested a suitable tariff revision to cover the shortfall. Residents, however, expressed strong resentment over the proposed hike, citing that tariffs had already been increased recently. 'Another hike would be a double blow to consumers,' said members of various residents' associations. Indian Citizens' Forum (ICF) president SK Nayar and secretary Narinder Sharma pointed out that CPDL has launched a load self-declaration scheme for low-tension (LT) consumers. They claimed the form provided is neither approved by the JERC nor in accordance with the JERC Supply Code, making it difficult for consumers to fill correctly. This, they said, could lead to inflated bills due to misdeclared load and requested that the scheme be put on hold until proper approval is obtained. The ICF also raised concerns about the transfer of 220KV substations and feeders to CPDL, stating that assets above 66KV fall under the jurisdiction of the transmission utility, not the distribution licencee. They demanded separate tariff approvals for transmission and exclusion of transmission losses from the current petition. Highlighting inefficiencies, the ICF noted that losses mentioned in Para 4.2.5 of the petition are higher than those approved previously, indicating a lack of effort by the former licencee. They urged the commission not to pass these losses onto consumers.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Power play in UT: Public voices rise against tariff hike
1 2 Chandigarh: The usually serene halls of the Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sector 10, echoed with passionate pleas and pointed protests as the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) held a public hearing on electricity tariff proposals and power management for the current financial year. Citizens, activists, and representatives from across the city gathered to challenge what many called an "unjust" and "exploitative" hike in electricity charges. Representing over 100 Resident Welfare Associations, Crawfed came out swinging against Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL). Their spokesperson lambasted the proposed increase in both usage and fixed charges, highlighting a staggering 500% rise in fixed charges over the past two decades. "This is not just unfair—it's inhumane," they declared, demanding that tariffs be based on actual consumption rather than the number of household appliances. Crawfed also called for an overhaul of CPDL's operations, urging JERC to curb unannounced power cuts that continue to disrupt daily life. The members of the Indian Citizens' Forum (ICF) raised the issue of refunding wrongly charged meter rentals and payment of compensation to all complainants in Chandigarh for the wrongful charging of meter rentals. SK Nayar, President, ICF, submitted, "CPDL has floated a scheme for SELF DECLARATION of LOAD for LT consumers only, but the format circulated is neither as per JERC approved format of Supply Code. This scheme is meant only for LT consumers and that too for excess load only, it means no HT consumer is allowed to avail benefit of this scheme to increase or decrease his load. Similarly, LT consumer also not allowed decreasing his load as per this scheme whereas no such bar exists in the Supply Code, 2018 with its up-to-date amendment." Narinder Sharma, Secretary, ICF, stated, "In case of defective/stuck/stopped/burnt meter, the consumer shall be billed on the basis of higher of monthly consumption of corresponding month of the previous year and average monthly consumption of immediately preceding three months. These charges shall be leviable for a maximum period of three months only during which time the Licensee is expected to have replaced the defective meter. " AAP sounds alarm on privatization fallout The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chandigarh unit opposed the electricity tariff hike. AAP leaders formally submitted a memorandum and voiced their objections during the public hearing. "This was the first tariff hike after the privatisation of the electricity wing in 2025, when the profitable govt-run department was handed over to Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL). AAP opposed this privatisation from day one, participating in city-wide protests alongside electricity department employees. We warned that this company would exploit the public to show artificial losses and hike tariffs; today our fears have come true," said AAP Chandigarh President Vijaypal Singh. MSID:: 122906868 413 |
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Wrongly charged meter rental: Chandigarh power dept, CPDL put on notice for not issuing refund
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has issued a show-cause notice to both the UT electricity department and the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited for not refunding wrongly charged meter rental for 16 months. The matter was brought to the commission's notice by members of the Indian Citizens Forum (ICF). (HT photo for representation) The commission directed both the agencies to submit their reply within two weeks, showing cause why action should not be taken against them under Sector 142 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In the absence of replies, suo motu proceedings will be initiated against them. The matter was brought to the commission's notice by members of the Indian Citizens Forum (ICF), alleging wrongly charged meter rental from consumers of all categories in Chandigarh for 16 months by the Chandigarh electricity department (CED), renamed as Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) after privatisation from February 1, 2025. The JERC stated that the orders passed by the Consumers Grievances Redressal Forum (CGRF), Chandigarh, against a complaint was upheld by the Ombudsman on April 16, 2025, to the extent that CED and CPDL should make efforts to refund the meter-rental charges from consumers, along with interest. The commission stated that there had already been a delay of almost four months that consumers had not been refunded their legitimate amount, along with admissible interest. Any further delay will be viewed seriously and it will amount to contempt, it added. ICF president SK Nayar and secretary Narinder Sharma met CPDL director Arun Kumar Verma and general manager MP Singh to discuss the issue. Verma reportedly assured the delegation of immediate refund through bills, as soon as they get the list of consumers from CED.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Swachh Survekshan 2024: After dismal 219 rank, Panchkula turns to Indore to clean up its act
Following a decline in the Swachh Survekshan 2024 ranking, the Panchkula municipal corporation (MC) is set to implement cleanliness models of Indore and of four other top-performing urban cities in the country. A senior MC officer confirmed that detailed reports from these cities have been requested to guide their new strategies. An MC official acknowledged that data collection for the assessment was flawed, with public questionnaires on cleanliness not accurately recorded. (Sant Arora/HT) Panchkula's ranking plummeted to 219th this time from 139th in 2023, as released by the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs. The MC is currently awaiting its detailed score breakdown from the Swachh Survekshan assessment to pinpoint specific areas for improvement. An MC official acknowledged that data collection for the assessment was flawed, with public questionnaires on cleanliness not accurately recorded. 'A significant 1,200 marks were directly deducted due to the absence of a waste-processing plant. Insufficient social media publicity for Swachh Survekshan also contributed to the low score,' the MC official added. Swachh Survekshan 2024: After dismal 219 rank, Panchkula turns to Indore to clean up its act Despite the numerical drop, an officer offered a nuanced perspective. The officer explained that in 2023, the city competed against 446 cities in the 1-3 lakh population category. This year, it was in the 50,000-3 lakh population category with 824 competing cities. Despite this increased competition, Panchkula secured 10% more marks (8,008 out of 12,500) compared to last year's 5,224 out of 9,500, suggesting an underlying improvement in performance. Major setback in waste collection and processing In the Swachh Survekshan, Panchkula had major setbacks under various categories. Report shows that door-to-door waste collection sharply fell from 99% in 2023 to 61% in 2024 and source segregation in the city plunged from 61% to just 20%. Waste processing efficiency also plummeted from 98% to 51%. Public toilet cleanliness declined from a perfect 100% to 50%. Cleanliness of residential areas also saw a slight dip from 99% to 88%. Raising his concerns, SK Nayar, president of the Citizens' Welfare Association, criticised the MC's waste management. He stated that the door-to-door garbage collection service is unsatisfactory and doesn't cater to the needs of vulnerable groups like seniors, patients, and those residing on upper floors. Nayar highlighted that MC staff often mix segregated waste, undermining residents' efforts. He further expressed alarm over the condition of public toilets in markets and parks, describing them as frequently locked, dirty, broken, or lacking water. HSVP asks MC to take over cleanliness of more sectors In a related development, the Haryana Shehari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) has formally requested the MC commissioner to accommodate its 32 employees and assume responsibility for the cleanliness of additional sectors, including those in the trans-Ghaggar area, Sector 31, and the MDC area. If the MC accepts this proposal, it could expand its cleanliness coverage. Presently, the sanitation work in these sectors is handled by HSVP. City ready for monsoon with cleaned drains, improved roads The Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) has announced comprehensive measures to tackle monsoon waterlogging and enhance city infrastructure. PMDA CEO K Makarand Pandurang stated that all city drains have been thoroughly cleaned, including major stormwater channels and roadside drains. He said that significant progress has also been made on road repairs, with 28 out of 32 sanctioned outer roads covering 21.72 km already completed. Additionally, a master plan for the city's entire rainwater drainage system is underway, and projects to upgrade 11 major parks and 19 green belts with new amenities are progressing. The PMDA has approved projects worth ₹251.17 crore for these various initiatives.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Dog sterilisation resumes in Panchkula after a long halt
Panchkula: After months of delay due to bureaucratic hurdles, Panchkula's dog sterilisation programme has finally resumed. The initiative, crucial to managing the growing stray dog population, was suspended for several months after the previous contractor's agreement expired, and the Municipal Corporation (MC) failed to appoint a new agency on time. "A new agency has now been appointed and has been allotted the work for one year. But since this is the monsoon season, the programme is slow right now because healing takes time. After the monsoon, our campaign will pick up pace," said an officer of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation. The sterilisation programme, which earlier covered around 500 dogs per month, was abruptly stopped, leaving residents increasingly anxious. As per Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, about 300 to 400 dog bite cases are reported per month in Panchkula. "We're surrounded by stray dogs, and the numbers are clearly increasing. It's frustrating that the MC didn't plan in advance to ensure there is no gap in the operation. The tendering process should have started well before the previous contract ended. Otherwise, all the efforts made in the past regarding sterilisation get affected," said SK Nayar, president, Citizens Welfare Association. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "Apart from this, local Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) should be involved in the programme. To make this campaign effective, there needs to be a proper check on the work that is being carried out by the agency. Because many feel as compared to sterilisation, the dog population and dog bite cases have not come down," he added. Health officials also noted that several bite cases reported in Panchkula's civil hospital originate from nearby areas, further burdening local health resources. With the sterilisation drive now back on track, authorities hope to reduce the number of stray dogs and associated health risks in the coming months. However, citizens and activists alike stress the importance of long-term planning and uninterrupted implementation of such essential public health measures. In the wake of a large number of dog bite cases being reported in Panchkula, the mayor had earlier approved arranging doctors, nurses, and vaccines at five community centres for timely treatment of victims and to give them compensation (Rs 10,000 per tooth mark) in a week as per Punjab and Haryana High Court's directions. But none of them could be implemented on the ground. MSID: 122859954 413 |
