Himachal CM assures 125 units free electricity continuity, free 300 units under consideration in Himachal Assembly

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday said the state government is providing 125 units of free electricity to consumers, and this benefit has not been discontinued. He informed the Assembly during Question Hour that reforms in the power sector are progressing steadily.

Stating continuation of free electricity, he however appealed to consumers to voluntarily surrender their electricity subsidy. Around 12,000 to 15,000 people have already given up electricity subsidy, leading to savings of Rs 59 lakh for the electricity board.

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Sukhu added that the government may also consider offering 300 units of free power in the future, based on economic viability.
He stated this while responding to a joint question raised by legislators Sudhir Sharma (BJP) and Keval Singh Pathania (Congress).
The Chief Minister said Congress MLAs and ministers have also surrendered their subsidy and suggested that if the opposition followed suit, it would send a positive message.

Earlier, in a written reply, he stated that from last year to February 20, 2025, the government spent Rs 17,95,879 on electricity bills of cabinet-rank leaders.
Sukhu also informed the House that under the IPDS and RDSS schemes, 6,52,955 smart meters have been installed in Shimla city, Dharamshala, and parts of Shimla Zone.

“Installation across the remaining areas of Shimla Zone is targeted for completion by February 2026. Additionally, Letters of Intent have been issued for 5,05,078 smart meters in Mandi, Hamirpur, and Dharamshala zones for system meters and priority consumers, while approval has been granted to install another 14,78,945 smart consumer meters,” he said.

Raising concern, MLA Sudhir Sharma asked whether the company entrusted with installing smart meters had been blacklisted in another state, and when the government would fulfill its guarantee of 300 free units of electricity.

Sukhu replied that the matter regarding blacklisting would be investigated.

MLA Kewal Singh Pathania pointed out cases where BPL families held multiple meters—one individual had 79, another 75, and another 70 meters—all availing subsidies.

The Chief Minister agreed and acknowledged the issue.

Responding to BJP MLA Dr Hansraj’s concern over the jobs of youth engaged in electricity billing once smart meters are installed, Sukhu said that the government does not snatch anyone’s employment and that such workers would be redeployed to other tasks under rationalisation.