SRINAGAR: In response to recent concerns about high electricity bills raised by Altaf Bukhari on social media, the Power Development Department (PDD) has clarified that there has been no increase in electricity tariffs. Instead, the department has been working on a calibrated rationalization of the sanctioned load to match actual usage and connected load.
Electricity Tariffs in J&K: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), an independent body, sets electricity tariff rates in Jammu and Kashmir. These rates are designed to cover essential costs such as power purchases, transmission expenses, staffing, and maintenance. Notably, the electricity tariffs in J&K are among the lowest in the country, ensuring fair charges for consumers.
Metering and Billing: The PDD highlighted a significant issue with low metering percentages, particularly in the Kashmir region. Only 32% of residential consumers are metered, leading to billing based on actual consumption for these consumers. However, the remaining 68% are billed at a flat rate, often not reflective of their actual usage. This disparity contributes to substantial energy accounting gaps and financial losses, especially during peak demand periods.
Government Initiatives: The PDD is actively participating in the Government of India’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to improve power supply quality and reliability. This scheme offers conditional financial assistance aimed at reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and bridging the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realized (ARR). Key initiatives under the RDSS include achieving 100% smart metering and LT-AB cabling, crucial for financial sustainability and eligibility for central grants.
Enforcement and Results: In addition to technological interventions, the PDD has intensified enforcement activities to combat power pilferage and ensure compliance with electricity norms. These efforts have yielded positive results, with AT&C losses dropping from 63% in 2021-22 to 44% in 2023-24. Significant progress has also been made in reducing the ACS-ARR gap.
Measures for Unmetered Areas:
Rationalization of Load: The PDD has implemented calibrated rationalization of load based on actual electricity usage and connected load as per the Electricity Supply Code regulations. This ensures consumers do not receive inflated bills.
Incentivizing Metered Billing: The JERC has devised flat-rate tariffs to encourage consumers to switch to metered billing, which more accurately reflects actual consumption.
Consumer Counseling: Consumers are being counseled and encouraged to opt for metered billing if they find flat-rate charges disproportionate to their consumption.
The PDD’s comprehensive approach aims to ensure fair billing practices, reduce losses, and improve the overall power supply system in Jammu and Kashmir.
