The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has recently amended its regulations concerning the setup of charging infrastructure, tariffs, and other regulatory issues related to electric vehicles (EVs). The first amendments are a part of the ongoing efforts to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the state, in line with the national policy on electric mobility.
The original regulations, which were notified in December 2021, aimed to provide a comprehensive framework for the establishment and operation of EV charging stations. These regulations were part of the broader initiative under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), 2020, and the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme. These initiatives were designed to enhance fuel security, provide environmentally friendly transportation options, and support the sustainable growth of the electric vehicle sector.
The HERC received a petition from Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (UHBVNL) seeking amendments to specific clauses in the 2021 regulations. The petition was primarily concerned with the financial burden on the distribution companies (Discoms) related to the installation of separate or dedicated transformers for high-tension (HT) connections at EV charging stations. The original regulation required that the cost of these installations be covered by the Discoms’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds if the load exceeded 50 kW.
Based on the petition and subsequent discussions, the Commission proposed to amend the regulation to increase the load threshold to 200 kW. This amendment means that for HT connections for EV charging stations with a load of up to 200 kW, the cost of the required transformer and allied equipment will be covered by the Discoms’ CSR funds. This change is expected to reduce the financial strain on the Discoms while still promoting the expansion of charging infrastructure.
The Commission conducted public hearings and invited comments from stakeholders to ensure transparency and public participation in the amendment process. Despite the outreach efforts, the only comments received were from UHBVNL, which supported the proposed amendments but also suggested that the percentage of CSR funds allocated for EV charging infrastructure be specified. This suggestion aimed to balance the funds spent on EV infrastructure with other CSR activities.
In response to these comments, the Commission directed UHBVNL and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (DHBVNL) to provide data on their CSR fund allocations and expenditures for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The data revealed that a significant portion of the CSR funds remained unspent, which reinforced the Commission’s decision to proceed with the proposed amendments.
The Commission also considered safety concerns related to HT metering in fire-prone areas such as petrol pumps and gas agencies. To address these concerns, a provision was added to allow HT metering to be provided by installing outdoor current transformer/potential transformer (CT/PT) units on H poles, along with transformers, at the nearest point outside the explosive zone. This setup ensures that the power supply to the charging stations is safe and reliable.
After careful consideration of the stakeholder feedback and the technical and financial implications, the Commission approved the amendments to the regulations. These amendments are expected to facilitate the development of EV charging infrastructure, making it more cost-effective and sustainable for Discoms while ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
The amended regulations will be published in the Haryana Government Gazette and will come into force upon publication. The HERC’s proactive approach and the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders highlight the commitment to promoting electric mobility in Haryana, contributing to the state’s environmental sustainability and energy security goals.
Please view the document here for more details.
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