SRINAGAR: The government announced on Wednesday that the installation of smart meters has successfully assisted in reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses in Jammu and Kashmir. They stated that illegal hooking by consumers has almost completely stopped in the areas where smart meters have been installed.
Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary, the Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), mentioned that the hooking system has been eliminated since the installation of smart meters.
Choudhary said, “Finally, the government’s measures, especially the installation of smart meters, have helped put an end to technical losses.” He added that the system benefits not only KPDCL but also the people, who can now pay based on their actual usage.
Previously, consumers had to pay a fixed rate set by the government, regardless of their actual electricity consumption. Now, consumers will only pay for what they have used, according to Choudhary.
He further stated that the target of reducing losses due to hooking and other related issues has been almost achieved.
Regarding the expenditure on smart metering and cabling projects, Choudhary explained that the Government of India is implementing the project through different schemes like PMDP and RDSS.
“The schemes are currently ongoing, and Rs 800 crore have been allocated to various contractors under the RDSS scheme for ongoing work in Baramulla, two parts of Srinagar, and Kupwara,” he said.
He also mentioned that more projects are expected to be assigned soon.
It is worth noting that smart meters have been installed in several areas across Jammu and Kashmir, despite ongoing protests, particularly in Srinagar. (KNO)
