CM Sukhvinder Sukhu Directs HPSEBL to Curb Power Loss and Theft; 2,000 New Posts to Be Filled

Shimla, April 21 – Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) to take concrete measures to accurately assess power losses and curb electricity theft across the state.

Chairing a review meeting with officials from HPSEBL and the Department of Energy, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for feeder metering and other effective initiatives to reduce transmission and distribution losses. He also instructed that commercial, industrial, and domestic consumer feeders be properly mapped to enable real-time access to data at the click of a button.

The Chief Minister further directed that HPSEBL employees currently on deputation in the Directorate of Energy, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation, and Power Corporation be given the option to choose their preferred department by April 30. Employees in the Civil Wing may also opt to join the Public Works Department or other government departments. He assured that such transfers would not affect their promotions or other service benefits, and the government would amend policies where necessary to safeguard employee entitlements.

To strengthen HPSEBL’s operations and improve efficiency, CM Sukhu announced that the government would recruit 2,000 T-mates and linemen in the coming months.

He also reviewed the progress of the 450 MW Shongtong Hydroelectric Project and directed officials to ensure its timely completion. The government has set a target to commission the project by November 2026. Additionally, he instructed the preparation of an evacuation plan in advance to prevent any revenue losses during emergencies.

CM Sukhu called for the transfer of officials and employees who have been posted in industrial areas for extended periods, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in governance.

Present at the meeting were HPSEBL Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Energy Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, HPSEBL Managing Director Sandeep Kumar, Director (Energy) Rakesh Prajapati, HP Power Transmission Corporation Managing Director Rajeev Sood, Special Secretary (Energy) Arindam Chaudhary, and other senior officials.