SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to launch an awareness campaign on the implementation of the Time-of-Day (ToD) electricity tariff in Jammu and Kashmir, saying consumers need greater clarity on the new billing mechanism and its financial implications.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) introduced the ToD tariff from September 1 for consumers, excluding agricultural consumers, with a sanctioned load of more than 10 kW.
Under the new system, electricity consumed during solar hours, from 9 am to 5 pm, is eligible for a 20 per cent rebate, while consumption during peak hours attracts a surcharge
The Chamber said it had earlier opposed the introduction of the ToD tariff but was now concerned about its implementation without adequate awareness among affected consumers.
KCCI questioned the decision to implement the mechanism, saying KPDCL had earlier informed JERC that it did not want to introduce the ToD system.
The Chamber urged KPDCL to immediately undertake a comprehensive awareness campaign through various platforms, explaining the applicable timings, rebates, surcharges, eligibility criteria and billing process.
It also sought clarity on the implementation of ToD billing for consumers using legacy meters, citing technical difficulties in configuring such meters.
KCCI said the introduction of the new tariff regime should be accompanied by transparency, consumer awareness and an effective grievance-redressal mechanism.
“Consumers should not be left to discover its financial implications only after receiving their electricity bills,” the Chamber said.
