Gurgaon: DHBVN has issued a new circular permitting dual-source electricity supply for institutions providing public services to improve power reliability for essential services.The move, in line with Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (HERC’s) 2025 order, is expected to benefit hundreds of hospitals, irrigation facilities and Delhi Metro-linked services that currently depend on a single feeder. Under the existing system, outages caused by feeder faults or maintenance often disrupt medical equipment, delay canal operations, and force frequent use of diesel generators.
The new circular allows these institutions to receive supply from two independent feeders at 11 kV or above, with one designated as primary and the other as standby.Under the revised framework, institutions such as government and private hospitals, irrigation canal services, and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation can now receive electricity from two independent sources—subject to technical feasibility and availability of an 11 kV or higher voltage level feeder. The system is also expected to reduce the use of diesel gensets. DHBVN managing director Vikram Singh said the facility will be provided on consumer request and at their cost. “The system will designate one feeder as the primary source and the other as standby, preventing simultaneous use. Consumers must install an interlocking mechanism or an automatic transfer switch (ATS) to ensure both supplies remain isolated and cannot mix—an essential requirement for grid safety,” he said.Relying on a single power source leaves crucial services vulnerable. Hospitals often face equipment disruptions from voltage swings, irrigation systems stall, and metro operations too rely on risky, costly backups during even brief outages—increasing both operational risk and expense.“The lack of an alternative supply source means these institutions depend heavily on diesel generator sets, raising concerns over pollution, high operating costs, and reliability,” said the officer.For billing, a common meter will be installed on the consumer’s premises, and total consumption from both supply points will be combined. The key difference is in fixed charges: if the supply comes from separate transformers or substations, each requires its own load reservation and will incur a separate fixed charge. However, if supply is drawn from different points within the same substation under a single reservation, it is treated as a single source with standard fixed charges.The circular also mandates that all infrastructure related to dual-source connectivity must be built at the consumer’s expense and inspected by the chief electrical inspector before commissioning. Once energised, the system will become DHBVN’s property, for which a written undertaking will be taken. In cases involving Haryana Vishwakarma Power Nigam substations, a no-objection certificate will be required.Permission for dual-source supply will be granted after verification by whole-time directors, based on designs vetted by the chief engineer (PD&C), DHBVN.
