Union opposes HPSEBL project transfer

Shimla, Nov 15,

Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board Joint Employees Union has expressed strong opposition to the transfer of the construction work for a 66 kV transmission line from Pooh to Kaza and a 66 kV substation at Samdo under the RDSS scheme to the Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL).

The project, funded by a ₹325 crore grant from the Government of India, is already at an advanced stage, with survey, land acquisition, and forest clearance completed.

The union argues that the transfer would delay the project, escalate costs, and burden electricity consumers with additional tariffs, including wheeling charges.

They emphasize that the 66 kV system falls under the domain of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) as per the Electricity Act, 2003. The union has urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to reverse the decision to ensure timely completion and maintain affordable tariffs.

In a letter to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the union highlighted that the ₹362 crore project, approved under the RDSS scheme with a ₹325 crore central grant, was already in its advanced stages, including survey, land acquisition, and forest clearance. The union stated that the 66 kV system is nationally recognized as a distribution voltage and remains within HPSEBL’s jurisdiction, as mandated by the Electricity Act, 2003.

According to the union, transferring the project to HPPTCL would lead to delays, additional consumer tariffs, and wheeling charges of 34 paise per unit, which HPSEBL would ultimately pass on to its customers. The union emphasized that continuing the work under HPSEBL would allow for direct benefits to consumers with minimal tariff increases.

The letter concluded with an appeal to the Chief Minister to reconsider the transfer and allow HPSEBL to complete the project efficiently and cost-effectively for the benefit of the state and its electricity consumers.