Shimla: In a move for Himachal Pradesh’s energy sector, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has set a January 15, 2025 deadline for Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) to clarify its stance on complying with the state’s energy royalty policy.
The CM’s ultimatum came during a meeting in Shimla with Union Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal, focusing on power and housing concerns in Himachal Pradesh.
At the core of the discussion was the state’s energy policy, which mandates royalty rates for power projects: 12% for the first 12 years, 18% for the next 18 years, and 30% for the final decade of project operations.
The Chief Minister pointed out that while private companies comply with this policy, central PSUs, like SJVNL, have yet to align with it.
He warned that if SJVNL remains unwilling to adhere, the state is prepared to take over the 210 MW Luhri Phase-1, the 382 MW Sunni, and the 66 MW Dhaulasidh hydropower projects, with compensation for SJVNL’s costs to date.
Notably, Sukhu highlighted that SJVNL began construction on these projects without signing an implementation agreement, emphasizing that Himachal Pradesh deserves its rightful share from its water resources.
In response, the Union Minister directed SJVNL to provide a final response by January 15, acknowledging the state’s position.
In addition, CM Sukhu sought the Union government’s help in transferring the 110 MW Shanan Project in Mandi district back to Himachal from Punjab, stating that the lease term has expired. Sukhu argued that, as the Shanan Project area was never part of Punjab, the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 should not apply. The Union Minister assured a review of the Act to facilitate the transfer.
Sukhu also pressed the Union Government to resolve overdue power arrears from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), totaling 13,066 million units, for the period between November 1996 and October 2011.
Although the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Himachal Pradesh, the state has yet to receive its dues. The Union Minister pledged to convene a joint meeting with the stakeholder states to address this issue.
During the meeting, the Union Power Minister emphasized the need for Himachal Pradesh to implement the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) promptly, which aims to introduce smart metering and reduce power losses.
On the urban development front, Sukhu and Manohar Lal reviewed projects funded by the Union Government, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Solid Waste Management.
Sukhu requested additional financial support for Himachal’s urban projects, given the state’s challenging geography. The Union Minister assured all possible assistance.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
