CM meets Union Power Minister

SHIMLA 8 September, 2026

· Discusses key issues concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power sector

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed several important pending issues concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power sector. He urged the Union Minister to facilitate their early resolution in the interest of the State.

The Chief Minister strongly raised the issue of providing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) against Himachal Pradesh’s free power entitlement. He said the state should receive due benefits against its free power share and sought necessary clarification and an early resolution in the matter.

He also raised the issue of nominating two Independent Directors from Himachal Pradesh on the Board of Directors of Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) and urged that the process be completed at the earliest, keeping the interests of the state in view.

The transfer of the Shanan Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh was another key issue discussed during the meeting. The Chief Minister said necessary action should be taken keeping in view Himachal Pradesh’s rights over the project and the interests of the State. The matter is presently sub judice.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s demand for providing one percent additional free power after commissioning as Local Area Development Fund (LADF) for Central Sector hydropower projects commissioned prior to the Hydropower Policy, 2008. He said the provision would accelerate development in project-affected areas and ensure direct benefits to local communities.

He said that as per the assessment of state government, the proposed arrangement is expected to provide Himachal Pradesh a gross annual benefit of approximately Rs. 29.34 crore, while the estimated annual burden on other beneficiary states would be around Rs. 96.57 crore. The estimated net annual benefit to Himachal Pradesh would be approximately Rs. 23.21 crore, while the tariff impact on other beneficiary states is expected to remain around 1.15 percent.

The Chief Minister also raised the issue of handing over the 180 MW Baira Siul Hydropower Project to Himachal Pradesh after completion of its 40-year period. He urged the Union Government to initiate the necessary process for transfer of the project in the interest of the state.
He further raised the issue of land acquired by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) in Himachal Pradesh that is presently not being utilized.

The Chief Minister urged that such land be made available to the state government for public use, including construction of government offices and providing land for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by development projects.

Sh. Sukhu said the hydropower sector is a key pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s economy, energy security and local development. He emphasized that early resolution of pending matters concerning the state’s power interests is essential for the overall development of the state.

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal assured him of positive consideration of matters concerning Himachal Pradesh’s power interests. He also assured that necessary directions would be issued to the concerned officials and that all possible cooperation would be extended for the early resolution of the pending issues.