Power Debt Bills of J&K surged to Rs 31,000 Crore in Four Years
Jammu, Jul 24: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been grappling with a severe financial crisis in the power sector, with mounting debt bills amounting to a staggering Rs 31,000 Crore over the past four years, official sources revealed.
This pressing issue has raised concerns about the viability and sustainability of the existing power distribution system in Union Territory. As per the officials in Power Department, to address this crisis and bring about a transformative change, the implementation of e-smart meters has emerged as the only viable solution being opposed in Jammu division as well in Kashmir Valley by the people.
“Smart meters offer an innovative approach to power distribution, enabling efficient monitoring, accurate billing, and effective management of electricity consumption. In the long run, the common man will benefit from this new system. As the region braces for a transformative shift, the introduction of smart meters becomes a crucial step towards ensuring a sustainable energy future”, said a senior administrative official in the Power Development Department.
The power debt crisis in Jammu and Kashmir has been a longstanding issue, leading to significant financial strain on the state’s power sector. Over the past four years, the outstanding power bills have surged to a staggering Rs 31,000 Crore, leaving the Government led electricity distribution companies struggling to meet their financial obligations. The accumulation of such a massive debt has led to a lack of funds for essential infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and capacity expansion, further exacerbating the problem.
“The conventional metering system used in Jammu and Kashmir has proven to be inadequate in addressing the mounting power debt issue. The traditional meters have limitations in terms of billing accuracy, monitoring capabilities, and the detection of power theft”, said an official. Moreover, smart meters come equipped with features that help in detecting power theft and unauthorized usage. This capability acts as a powerful deterrent to illegal connections and ensures that electricity is distributed fairly and efficiently. The revenue generated from accurate billing and reduced power theft can be reinvested into the power infrastructure, aiding in debt recovery and overall system improvement.
