SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference General Secretary and President of the All JK Shia Association, Molvi Imran Ansari, strongly criticised the proposed 20 percent peak-hour electricity surcharge reportedly under consideration by the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL), warning that the move would unfairly burden consumers already struggling with harsh winter conditions.
Ansari said the proposal raised fundamental concerns over who was formulating and approving key decisions in the Union Territory’s power sector. He questioned the lack of clarity surrounding the decision-making authority, remarking that the public was being left in the dark while tariff proposals “float around without ownership or accountability.”
In a post on X, he asked who in the administration was approving “magical midnight-thought tariff ideas”, pointing out that past promises—such as 200 units of free electricity—had not been fulfilled. “Kashmir didn’t get 200 units free… instead, we’re getting 20 percent extra charge during the only hours when people are freezing and desperately need electricity,” he said.
So just wondering, before we all get shocked with this proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge, can someone politely remind me who exactly is the Minister for Power Development Department approving these magical midnight-thought tariff ideas in Kashmir?
Because from the way…
— Imran Reza Ansari (@imranrezaansari) November 21, 2025
He noted that the proposed surcharge has drawn strong opposition from trade bodies, houseboat owners, industrial units and households, arguing that consumers were being penalised instead of systemic issues being addressed.
Ansari urged the government to explain who is “steering the ship” of JK’s power policy and demanded transparency before further fiscal burdens are placed on the public. He called on the administration to withdraw the proposal and prioritise public interest while ensuring accountability within the power sector.
It is pertinent to mention that, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has sought approval from the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to impose a 20 percent surcharge on all categories of consumers except for the agriculture sector during peak hours, when demand is at its highest due to the bone‑chilling cold in the Valley.
