HPERC Proposes Zonal Consumer Grievance Forums to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Costs In Himacha Pradesh

The Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (HPERC) has proposed amendments to the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Consumer Grievances Redressal Forum and Ombudsman) Regulations, 2013, aimed at improving the efficiency of consumer grievance redressal and reducing unnecessary operational costs.

The Commission has issued the draft Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2026, following a review of quarterly and annual performance reports related to consumer complaints received at different locations. The review found that the Additional Consumer Grievances Redressal Forums (CGRFs) established at the Circle level were receiving very few complaints. In some cases, the forums had not received any grievance during the period under review.

Considering the low volume of complaints and the associated financial expenses for the electricity distribution licensee, HPERC has proposed shifting the Additional CGRF structure from the Circle level to the Zone level. Under the proposed amendments, the distribution licensee will be required to establish at least one Additional Forum for each of its Operation Zones.

The proposed Zonal-level Additional Forums will have jurisdiction over monetary and non-monetary complaints from consumers covered under single-part retail tariffs. For consumers covered under two-part retail tariffs, the forums will deal with disputes involving claim amounts of up to ₹4 lakh, provided the standard supply voltage does not exceed 33 kV.

The proposed changes also include provisions for a gradual transition from the existing Circle-level system. Existing Circle-level Additional Forums will continue to function until the completion of the tenure of their respective Independent Members. After the completion of the members’ terms, these forums will be abolished.

Any grievances that remain pending before the Circle-level forums at the time of their closure will be transferred to the newly established Zonal-level Additional Forums. This provision is intended to ensure that the restructuring does not disrupt the grievance redressal process for electricity consumers.

HPERC has also proposed an amendment to the eligibility requirements under Regulation 7 of the principal regulations. The draft seeks to increase a specified service requirement from 10 years to 20 years.

The Commission has invited suggestions and objections from the public and other affected stakeholders on the proposed amendments. Stakeholders have been given 30 days from the date of publication of the notification in the Rajpatra, Himachal Pradesh, to submit their comments.

Written suggestions or objections can be submitted to the Secretary of HPERC at Vidyut Aayog Bhawan, Shimla. The complete draft Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2026, has also been made available on the Commission’s official website for public review.