SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday stated that electricity bills for metered consumers are issued based on actual consumption, while non-metered consumers are billed according to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) tariff.
Responding to a question by MLA Tanveer Sadiq, the Minister for Power Development Department (PDD) denied that excessive electricity bills were causing financial distress to consumers. “Discoms issue bills based on actual electricity consumption for metered consumers, in line with JERC tariff orders. Non-metered consumers are also billed accordingly. Consumers with billing grievances can lodge complaints, which are resolved on merit,” he said.
He revealed that only 60 per cent of consumers in J&K are metered, while the remaining 40 per cent are charged a flat rate, leading to high Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses. “To minimise losses in unmetered areas, Discoms are implementing calibrated load rationalisation based on actual electricity usage and connected loads, in compliance with the Electricity Supply Code regulations,” he added.
The minister further stated that a smart metering programme is being implemented in “mission mode” to address metering issues. “Around seven lakh smart meters have already been installed out of a total consumer base of 22.4 lakh. The target is to achieve 100% smart prepaid metering by 2025-26 under the ongoing RDSS scheme,” he said.
Dismissing claims of economic uncertainty affecting bill payments, the minister said J&K offers one of the lowest electricity tariff rates. “Concrete steps have been taken to streamline billing and collection, improving efficiency. As a result, AT&C losses have reduced from 62 per cent in 2020-21 to 40 per cent in 2023-24,” he stated.
He emphasised that smart meters have improved billing accuracy and consumer awareness, leading to better payment compliance. “In areas where smart meters have been installed, consumers are more conscious of their electricity usage and are focusing on conservation,” he said.
To assist consumers, the government has extended an Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers until March 31, 2025, waiving interest and surcharges on outstanding bills if current dues are paid regularly. “Since the scheme launched in 2022 remains in force, there is no need for a fresh amnesty,” the minister clarified. (KNO)
