Haryana power workers strike as regulator approves private distribution licence

Power sector staff in Haryana have begun a three-day strike in protest against the regulatory approval granted to private operator Eleven Power to distribute electricity across portions of Gurugram and Nuh district. The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission's decision to award the 25-year distribution licence has triggered concerns among unionised employees of the state power corporation, who argue the move will diminish the operational capacity and financial viability of the state-owned distribution company.

The state's Power Minister announced that Haryana will challenge the regulator's decision before an appellate tribunal, signalling the government's intent to reverse or modify the licence grant. Officials have positioned the challenge as a means to protect the state utility's interests and ensure continued public control over the critical infrastructure sector.

Workers' representatives have characterised the private distribution licence as a threat to the existing utility model and job security. The strike reflects broader tensions across India's power sector regarding the balance between private sector participation and state-owned utility operations, particularly in distribution, which remains a financially challenged segment in most Indian states.

The dispute underscores ongoing regulatory and political debates over electricity distribution reforms in India. While state governments have traditionally controlled distribution infrastructure, regulators have increasingly approved private operators in select areas, citing efficiency and service quality improvements. This decision in Haryana represents another flashpoint in these contested transitions.