Shimla/New Delhi: Central Government to Provide Cheaper Power to Himachal Pradesh This Winter In a significant development, the Central Government has committed to supplying Himachal Pradesh with 500 million units of electricity at a reduced rate during the upcoming winter months. This assurance was given by Union Minister for Power Manohar Lal Khattar to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during a recent meeting in New Delhi.
This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on the state, which typically faces soaring electricity prices as power generation declines in winter. From October to March, Himachal has had to purchase electricity at high rates to meet its demands.
The Central Electricity Authority will allocate the 500 million units from its unallocated reserve, following a request from the Union Power Ministry. Himachal Pradesh requires an additional 1,200 million units of power during the winter months, and the promised supply will address nearly half of this need.
The Central Government’s allocation is expected to be at least ₹2 cheaper per unit than current market prices, potentially saving the state around ₹100 crore annually.
Himachal has been grappling with power shortages, particularly due to diminished generation at the Larji hydroelectric project in Mandi, which sustained severe damage during the monsoon season.
Over the years, Himachal has relied on a banking system for power but finds winter purchases financially burdensome.
Of the total power demand, 70% is consumed by the industrial sector, while the remaining supply caters to 1.6 million domestic consumers.
While Himachal is typically a power surplus state during the summer, its demand spikes in winter due to minimal snowmelt, resulting in lower generation capacity.
