SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday reviewed the Power Development Department’s (PDD) progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), reporting major improvements in billing, revenue collection and loss reduction across Jammu Kashmir.
During a high-level meeting attended by senior officials from JPDCL, KPDCL, NTPC and PESL, the Chief Secretary directed strict adherence to the Government of India’s timelines, calling for daily and weekly targets for all loss-reduction components, including LT cable replacement, feeder segregation, HT line cabling and augmentation of the distribution network.
According to the presentation shared during the meeting, Aggregate Technical and Commercial (ATC) losses have dropped from 58 percent in 2022 to nearly 32 percent at present, with the administration targeting further reduction to 12 percent by 2028. The ACS–ARR gap has also reduced substantially, from Rs 3.11 to Rs 1.29.
Billing efficiency has increased from 56 percent to 69 percent, while collection efficiency has touched 94 percent, reflecting stronger financial discipline across the power sector.
The Chief Secretary instructed Divisional Commissioners to hold monthly reviews and identify field staff failing to meet responsibilities. To prevent winter delays, especially in remote and snow-bound areas, he directed advance dumping of material to ensure uninterrupted execution of works.
ACS PDD Shailendra Kumar urged Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) to accelerate work through parallel execution and timely material delivery to remote regions such as Marwah, Wadwan, Gurez and Tanghdar. He also called for immediate regularisation of illegal connections to boost revenue and ensure steady supply.
Under Phase-I of RDSS, JPDCL has undertaken works worth Rs 4,709 crore under loss reduction and Rs 1,053 crore under smart metering. Progress on loss reduction and IT/OT works stands at 74 percent for JPDCL, 73 percent for KPDCL, 57 percent and 33 percent for PESL in Kashmir and Jammu respectively, and 72 percent and 31 percent for NTPC.
On smart metering, JPDCL has installed 1,87,894 meters out of a target of 7,62,872. KPDCL has installed 1,93,777 meters out of 7,27,855, marking steady progress toward transparency and improved consumer service.
The Chief Secretary stressed continuous oversight from Deputy Commissioners and senior officers to resolve bottlenecks and maintain momentum in implementing crucial power sector reforms.
