J&K electricity regulators retain green power tariff

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has decided to maintain the green power tariff at Rs 0.50 per unit for consumers in Jammu and Kashmir. In its ruling, the Commission directed the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) to enhance revenue collection and minimize financial shortfalls.

To address these issues, the utilities are implementing several measures, including the rollout of prepaid smart meters to 100 per cent of the consumer base to reduce unpaid bills and unmetered consumption. Other strategies include amnesty schemes for defaulters to settle outstanding dues, expanding online payment options, and strengthening consumer grievance redressal forums.

Separately, KPDCL has announced several scheduled power shutdowns across various parts of Kashmir throughout September. These maintenance-related outages, affecting transmission lines such as the 33-kV Kupwara and KP Bagh lines, are expected to impact several areas including Kupwara, Sonamarg, and Rajbagh during morning and afternoon hours on various dates.