Electricity consumers in Jammu and Kashmir are once again staring at heavier bills and darker evenings as the new tariff order takes effect from September. The average increase of 6.83 per cent may appear modest on paper, but for households already battling inflation and rising costs of essentials, it is another squeeze on fragile budgets. Commission itself admitted that without government subsidy the hike would have been close to 40 per cent, a “tariff shock.” The subsidy softened the blow, but families are not spared higher bills.
For ordinary households, the revised slabs mean paying more for every unit consumed beyond the basic threshold. Even those with metered connections, who had hoped accurate billing would shield them from arbitrary charges, continue to endure long hours of power cuts. In a typical month, consumers report two to three outages stretching six to seven hours. The irony is stark: despite meters recording every unit, electricity often disappears for half a day, leaving families in darkness and businesses stalled.
Commercial establishments and industries too are squeezed. Steeper slabs and demand charges add to operational costs, while small shopkeepers complain that higher tariffs eat into already thin margins. Industrial units face surcharges during peak hours. The introduction of Time-of-Day billing, with surcharges in morning and evening peaks, adds another layer of expense.
Agricultural consumers, the backbone of rural livelihoods, are caught in a differentiated tariff structure that penalises larger connections. Farmers with small holdings may pay concessional rates, but those with higher loads face steep charges. Unmetered connections attract hefty monthly bills, further straining rural households.
The larger question is about promises made and expectations raised. People recall pledges of free electricity, free gas and free ration; commitments projected as relief and empowerment. Instead, they now confront higher bills and continued outages. The contrast between what was promised and what is delivered has sharpened public discontent.
Commission has stressed that distribution losses are controllable and should not be passed on to consumers. Yet inefficiencies persist, with feeder-level losses and technical gaps continuing to plague the system. Smart metering and network strengthening are spoken of as solutions, but implementation remains patchy. Consumers are left wondering why they must pay more while enduring the same old cycle of cuts and breakdowns.
In March, the Finance Department issued a circular directing all government offices to clear pending electricity bills without delay, warning that arrears were mounting and late payment surcharges were adding unnecessary pressure on the exchequer. Departments were told to assess outstanding dues, identify savings within their released funds if necessary, and process re-appropriation to ensure timely settlement.
Months later, however, the situation remains unclear. Power corporations have not received consolidated information on how many departments have actually cleared their dues. While the government has emphasized accountability, the silence from departments suggests arrears may still be piling up.
When government offices delay payments, the burden shifts indirectly onto the system, creating fiscal stress that eventually trickles down to ordinary consumers. Families already grappling with higher tariffs and frequent outages see little relief when institutions themselves fail to meet obligations. The irony is sharp: households are penalized for late payments, while departments continue without transparency on their own arrears.
Ultimately, the question is not just about clearing bills but about restoring credibility. When government departments themselves delay payments, it undermines the very discipline expected from citizens. The silence over how many offices have complied with the directive only deepens the perception of inefficiency. For households and businesses, the outcome is the same: heavier pockets, darker evenings and a widening disconnect between promises and delivery.