Report of Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC) correspondent
On October 28, 2026, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) announced in its order that it will not take any action on any current or future petition for a parallel electricity distribution license. Consequently, the issuance of parallel power distribution licenses in the state has been put on hold for now. (A brief summary of the order is presented below.)
This halt is the direct result of the highly successful strike by electricity employees and engineers in Haryana on October 22 and 23. The strike forced the state government to issue a written directive to the regulatory commission on October 23, 2026 (via a letter dated October 28, 2026) under Section 108(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003—issued on October 23 itself—instructing that no parallel distribution license should be granted, implemented, or operationalized anywhere in the state.
The electricity employees and engineers of Haryana deserve congratulations for this successful struggle. This success was possible because of their united struggle. Setting aside all divisions, they formed the “Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Joint Struggle Front.” They did commendable work by bringing together consumer organizations, farmers’ organizations, village panchayats, and khap organizations to their struggle against privatization. They also received support from electricity workers across the country. Power workers from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh wrote to their respective state electricity administrations stating that they would not go to assist the Haryana Government in maintaining the power supply during the strike.
Haryana’s successful struggle has once again demonstrated that electricity workers have the power to halt the anti-worker, anti-people decisions of governments aimed at implementing the privatization agenda of the capitalist class.
To permanently stop privatization, electricity workers must unite with workers from other sectors and work towards establishing workers’ rule.
Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) Order – Brief Summary
This order was issued by the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) on October 28, 2026, on Petition No. HERC/Petition No. 30 of 2026:
Background of the Case: In its order dated October 19, 2026, the Commission had granted a parallel electricity distribution license for 25 years to Eleven Power Private Limited (EPPL) in the revenue districts of Gurugram and Nuh. EPPL had accepted the conditions of this license on October 21, 2026.
Haryana Government’s Directive (Section 108): The Energy Department of the Government of Haryana issued written directives to the Commission on October 26, 2026 (letter dated October 28, 2026) under Section 108(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003. Keeping in view public interest, consumer interests, the financial impact on state discoms (DHBVNL/UHBVNL), and opposition of public/employees, the government directed that no parallel distribution license should be granted, implemented, or operationalized anywhere in the state.
Dismissal of EPPL’s Petition for Hearing: The Commission dismissed EPPL’s request for advance notice and an opportunity for a hearing, stating that the policy directives issued by the government under Section 108 are final and overriding, leaving the Commission with no authority to conduct further judicial proceedings.
Final Decision: In light of the directives issued by the Government of Haryana, the Commission has decided that as long as these directives remain effective, the Commission will not take any further action in this matter.