Srinagar: The recent power tariff hike is expected to add over Rs 250 crore to the public exchequer, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was informed on Tuesday.
Responding to a question by Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone, the government said the tentative additional revenue the distribution companies (Discoms) expect to realise from the tariff revision approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the financial year 2026-27 would be Rs 251 crore.
However, the government said that despite this marginal increase in tariff, it still has to bear more than Rs 4,500 crore as subsidy to meet the power purchase cost of the Discoms.
A power tariff hike came into effect in Jammu and Kashmir on September 1.
In an X post, Lone said, “The National Conference-led government may not have provided 200 units of free electricity to consumers, but it has admitted today, in response to my question, that Rs 251 crore will be collected from consumers on account of the recent power tariff. It has also admitted that 11 lakh smart meters have been installed during its rule starting from October 2024.”
On providing 200 units of free electricity to eligible households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the government said it is committed to this.
“The commitment regarding provision of 200 units of free electricity to eligible AAY households is being addressed through implementation of a Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)-based rooftop solar scheme, involving installation of 2 kW rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Biji Yojana,” the government said in its written reply to Lone’s question.
It said the scheme is under implementation, and it is evaluating the tendering process.
“Execution of the scheme shall commence after award of contract to the successful bidder. Eligible households shall start deriving the benefit of 200 units of free electricity upon commissioning of the rooftop solar systems under the scheme,” it added.
