SRINAGAR: The Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) has said around 16,000 smart meters are currently reported as damaged, burnt or non-communicating across Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing media reports citing a figure of more than 25,000 as outdated.
According to JPDCL, the latest data furnished by the concerned Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Providers (AMISPs) puts the number of such meters at approximately 16,000.
The Corporation said around 8.75 lakh smart meters have already been installed against a total consumer base of about 12.5 lakh, making the reported defective meters roughly 1.8 per cent of the installed smart-meter base.
JPDCL said smart-meter installation is currently progressing at a pace of around 1,500 to 2,000 meters a day, while corrective measures are being undertaken in coordination with the concerned AMISPs.
It clarified that the figure of more than 25,000 meters cited in earlier media reports pertained to an earlier position. Since smart-meter data is dynamic and continuously updated due to restoration of communication, replacement of defective meters and reporting of fresh cases, historical figures should not be treated as reflecting the current position, it said.
The Corporation also said it has taken a serious view of delays in the restoration and replacement of burnt, damaged and defective smart meters by the concerned Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and AMISPs.
JPDCL said its Chair has directed that all such meters be attended to on priority and within the timelines prescribed under applicable Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines and contractual provisions.
“These directions have also been reiterated during various review meetings, including the meeting held on August 25, 2026,” the Corporation said.
The concerned AMISPs are being monitored through regular and weekly reviews, while directions have been issued for expeditious restoration and replacement of defective meters.
JPDCL said penalties are being imposed wherever applicable for delays or non-compliance. It has also made it clear that any revenue loss suffered by the Corporation due to delay, negligence or non-performance by an AMISP will not be passed on to JPDCL and will instead be recovered or adjusted from the concerned agency in accordance with contractual provisions.
The Project Implementing Agency, RECPDCL, has also been directed to ensure strict compliance by the AMISPs and take appropriate measures to speed up the replacement and restoration of defective meters.
Meanwhile, JPDCL said it is carrying out focused field-level verification and quality-control measures to improve installation quality and minimise the recurrence of defective or non-functional smart meters.
The Corporation said the measures are aimed at ensuring reliable smart metering, accurate billing and improved consumer services while safeguarding its financial interests.
