CM Sukhu meet Union Minister Khattar in Delhi; raised several issues, including increasing electricity royalty

June 17, 2026

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi on Tuesday. During the meeting, he held detailed discussions on several key issues concerning Himachal Pradesh, notably increasing the share of free power royalty from hydroelectric projects and securing financial assistance for various development initiatives.

Request to Increase Royalty from Hydroelectric Projects
Chief Minister Sukhu urged the Union Minister to increase the state’s share of free power royalty from hydroelectric projects owned by Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs). He specifically highlighted projects that have completed their initial 12-year operational period.

The Chief Minister demanded an increase in royalty beyond the current 12 percent free power allocation for such projects. Additionally, he requested that the state’s free power share be raised to 50 percent for the 180 MW Baira-Siul hydroelectric project, given that it has completed 44 years of operation.

Energy Arrears from BBMB Projects and the Shanan Project Issue
The meeting also addressed the issue of delays in the payment of energy arrears related to Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) projects. The Chief Minister noted that the people of the state had endured displacement and environmental impacts during the construction of these projects.

He demanded the payment of energy arrears amounting to 13,066 million units—accumulated up to October 31, 2011—along with six percent interest. The Chief Minister stated that this amount, including interest, currently stands at approximately ₹7,784 crore. Furthermore, he asserted Himachal’s legitimate rights regarding the Shanan hydroelectric project.