SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (PDD) is struggling with high Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, with recent figures revealing losses of over 41 per cent by the end of the financial year 2023-24.
Among the two Distribution Companies (DISCOMs), Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is facing an additional 21 per cent AT&C loss compared to Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL).
In the year 2020-21, JPDCL recorded 30 per cent AT&C losses, while KPDCL was grappling with a staggering 65 per cent loss. Similarly, in the financial year 2021-22, Jammu’s DISCOM faced 37.5 per cent AT&C losses, while Kashmir’s DISCOM recorded a loss of 63.26 per cent.
The official data further shows that in 2022-23, JPDCL faced 35.4 per cent AT&C losses, while KPDCL reported 59.59 per cent losses.
In the previous fiscal year, the overall AT&C losses across both DISCOMs stood at 41 per cent, with JPDCL at 31 per cent and KPDCL at 51.98 per cent.
AT&C losses in the power sector refer to the gap between the total energy input into a distribution system and the energy for which payment is collected. This includes both technical losses during transmission and distribution, and commercial losses arising from billing inefficiencies, theft, and payment defaults.
An official stated that the financial unbundling of DISCOMs is yet to be completed. “At present, all power sale revenues are credited to the consolidated fund of Jammu and Kashmir. Therefore, no accurate profit or loss assessment can be determined.”
“However, based on the power purchase cost, operational and maintenance (O&M) expenses, other expenditures, and government subsidies, the AT&C losses are calculated,” the official added.
In January, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir was facing AT&C losses exceeding 50 per cent, while the national average stands at around 15 per cent.
Omar further noted that the government was providing more electricity to the people compared to previous years. (KNO)
