UPCL plans to lay all powerlines underground in Doon: Dhyani

Consumer interest and better power services top priority for UPCL: MD
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 22 Aug: Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd (UPCL) Managing Director PC Dhyani today addressed a press conference at the conference hall of Urja Bhawan, UPCL. During the press interaction, several questions were raised in respect of the corporation’s functioning, facilities being provided to consumers, smart meters, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, power supply arrangements and matters related to employee welfare. Responding to the queries, Dhyani shared the details of the corporation’s activities and the initiatives being undertaken in the interest of consumers.
In an important announcement, Dhyani also stated that UPCL has planned to lay all the power lines in Dehradun city underground. He said that while work on this project is already in progress, the current goal is to complete it before March 2027. Efforts are also being made to expedite the work in areas where roads have been excavated, thereby alleviating the difficulties residents face during the rainy season.
The MD also spoke on the ‘benefits of smart meters’ and stated that under the RDSS scheme installation of smart meters across the state is progressing rapidly. He added that the consumers will be able to access information on their electricity consumption and payments in a more convenient and transparent manner. No additional charges are being levied for replacing old meters with smart meters, and those using smart and prepaid meters will also receive the prescribed rebates.
In response to a question regarding the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, he shared that the rooftop solar installations are being carried out swiftly in Uttarakhand, and that more than one lakh households have been already equipped with solar installations. This, he said has provided consumers with clean energy and significant relief in electricity bills, and that the families are seeing their bills reduced to zero.
Dhyani further elaborated on the works under the RDSS scheme aimed at modernising and strengthening the power distribution system, emphasising timely completion so that consumers can directly benefit through improved services. Sharing details of the corporation’s financial and operational performance, he asserted that UPCL has consistently improved in revenue collection, reduction of power losses and power purchase management.  He also claimed that the corporation is committed to managing resources efficiently to ensure quality and uninterrupted electricity supply.
Answering questions on employee welfare, Dhyani stated that the management is prioritising resolution of staff‑related matters including ACP, promotions, pension cases, regularisation and medical reimbursement. Special attention is being given to the speedy disposal of medical reimbursement claims and other welfare issues within stipulated timelines. He added that the Corporation has taken several other significant decisions regarding its employees, including a move to revise the staff structure. The aim is to phase out the contractual employment system entirely and replace it with regular staff appointments; however, the proposal for this structural revision will be submitted to the Board for approval.
He stressed that UPCL’s objective is not only to achieve financial and operational milestones but also to provide better services to consumers and improved facilities to its employees. He added that efforts would continue to make the corporation more modern, transparent and consumer‑friendly while ensuring timely resolution of employee welfare cases.