15% hike accredited for non-metered electrical energy customers in Kashmir

The Joint Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (JERC) has accredited a 15 p.c improve in energy tariffs for non-metered shoppers in Kashmir, affecting roughly 7 lakh customers.

This determination follows the nod for a 30 p.c tariff hike initially, however with the withdrawal of 15 p.c electrical energy responsibility, the sensible hike is now 15 p.c, Srinagar based mostly Larger Kashmir reported.

For metered shoppers, the JERC initially greenlit a 15 p.c tariff improve, which the Energy Growth Division (PDD) offset by waiving the 15 p.c electrical energy responsibility, successfully nullifying any sensible hike for these customers.

The JERC defined its determination as a way to bridge the income hole, partially by way of authorities grants and partially by way of an inexpensive tariff hike, aiming to keep away from surprising shoppers.

This improve for unmetered shoppers goals to discourage non-metered connections and promote the adoption of pay as you go good meters.

Roughly 65 p.c of Kashmir’s estimated 11 lakh energy shoppers are unmetered, which means roughly 7 lakh shoppers will really feel the influence of this tariff adjustment. Initially, the KPDCL proposed a 100% hike for non-metered areas, however the JERC raised issues about incomplete metering infrastructure.

Moreover, the JERC emphasised that inefficiencies throughout the energy sector can not burden J&Ok shoppers, urging rapid motion to curb losses.

The JERC’s observations stemmed from targets set by earlier schemes aiming for a turnaround within the energy sector.

Beforehand, the Jammu Kashmir State Electrical energy Regulatory Fee (J&Ok SERC) dealt with regulatory features for Jammu and Kashmir below the J&Ok Electrical energy Act 2010.

With the repeal of this act, the Electrical energy Act 2003 was utilized to the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, establishing the Joint Electrical energy Regulatory Fee for these areas.