Govt to act tough against power defaulters
SRINAGAR, FEB 06: In the Kashmir Valley, a minimum of 25% smart meters have been implemented to curb power theft and enhance the efficiency of the power distribution system.
Jammu and Kashmir has the highest T&D losses with officials attributing them to power pilferage.
In Kashmir, there are 11.50 lakh electricity consumers.
Mussarat Zia highlighted that they provide electricity to consumers beyond the load agreement. “We have already installed over 2.5 lakh smart meters. This will help us reduce T&D losses and power pilferage,” said Zia. He mentioned that the installation of the remaining smart meters is underway through various schemes.
He said they are acting tough against those consumers who fail to pay power tariffs.
J&K currently experiences the highest Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses in India, estimated at approximately 50%. According to officials, the rise in T&D losses and revenue shortfalls can be attributed to power pilferage. The central government has repeatedly criticized the J&K government for its perceived failure to reduce these losses in the past.
A senior official said J&K Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) has been asked to identify big power tariff defaulters and submit a list to the government.
“There are some people, especially various businessmen and politicians who owe power tariff lakhs of rupees to the government. The government has taken serious note that there are some big power defaulters in Jammu and Kashmir whose tariffs have been pending for years. Their names will be published on billboards in our department and also in their respective areas,” the official said.
The official said it has also been decided to disconnect their power connections.
This initiative aims to curb power theft and includes issuing notices to government departments with outstanding dues.
J&K has purchased power around Rs 30,000 crore during the last one decade and there has been a revenue realization gap of Rs 3,500 annually thus putting a huge burden on the state exchequer.
The purchase of electricity to meet consumer demand is putting a huge burden on the Jammu and Kashmir administration as the Union Territory is making revenue realization of Rs 3500 crore against power purchases of Rs 7500 crore annually.
J&K has a hydroelectricity potential of 20,000 MWs of which around 3500 MWs are being generated by various corporations.
“J&K has to purchase electricity worth hundreds of crores annually from the centre-owned NHPC and other power corporations. While we receive less than 50 percent tariff from consumers here putting a huge burden on the state exchequer,” the official added.
