[REVISION HISTORY]

Jammu and Kashmir electricity tariff increase

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-24 12:53 UTC → 2026-09-03 01:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity supply tariffs for Jammu and Kashmir, effective September 1, 2026. The new rates, which apply through March 31, 2027, include tiered energy charges for metered domestic consumers and a 25 per cent increase in fixed charges. Below Poverty Line (BPL) and agricultural consumers are exempt from these changes. The decision has triggered political opposition. Parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Apni Party held protests in Srinagar, arguing that the hike violates the National Conference-led government’s electoral promise to provide 200 free units of electricity to every household. In response, the National Conference stated that Jammu and Kashmir maintains the lowest tariffs in every category compared to other northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. As of September 1, the revised structure is in effect to address a revenue gap of approximately Rs 2,922.85 crore. For domestic consumers, energy charges are set at Rs 2.45 per unit for up to 200 units, Rs 4.20 for 201 to 400 units, and Rs 4.60 for consumption exceeding 400 units. The revision also introduces Time-of-Day (ToD) billing for consumers with a sanctioned load exceeding 10 kW. Under this system, eligible consumers can receive a 20 per cent rebate during the solar-heavy period between 9 am and 5 pm, while peak-hour consumption will incur surcharges. The government has committed Rs 2,420.78 crore in support to prevent a much higher projected increase of 40 per cent.

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