Chief Minister Stresses Consumer-Centric Reforms, Financial Sustainability in Power Sector
Srinagar, July 6, KNT: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday directed the Power Development Department to accelerate reforms and modernisation of Jammu and Kashmir’s electricity sector, stressing the need for reliable power supply, timely completion of infrastructure projects and improved consumer services.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the department, the Chief Minister assessed the overall performance of the power sector, including revenue realisation, implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, transmission projects and the roadmap for future reforms.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department Ashwini Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, senior officers of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), JK Transmission Projects Construction Corporation Limited (JKTPCL), the Chief Electrical Inspectorate and other senior engineers.
During the meeting, officials informed the Chief Minister that projects worth over ₹5,700 crore are currently under execution across Jammu and Kashmir under the RDSS programme. Of these, works valued at nearly ₹4,700 crore relating to loss reduction have already been awarded.
The meeting was informed that reforms in electricity metering are expected to improve billing efficiency, reduce transmission and distribution losses and provide consumers with greater transparency in energy consumption.
Officials also briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of infrastructure works, including installation of aerial bunched (AB) cables, feeder segregation, augmentation of distribution transformers, underground cabling and strengthening of the distribution network. Several districts, they said, have recorded significant progress, with many project packages nearing completion.
Reviewing the financial health of the sector, Omar Abdullah noted the improvement in revenue realisation over the past few years. Officials informed him that sustained reforms, improved billing and better collection mechanisms have narrowed the gap between power purchase costs and revenue generation.
The meeting was informed that billing efficiency has increased from 56 per cent in the financial year 2021-22 to 77 per cent in 2025-26, while Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses have declined considerably during the same period. The gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realisation (ARR) has also reduced, reflecting improved financial sustainability of the power utilities.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of reduced hydropower generation during the current summer owing to low water availability, which has increased dependence on power purchases from the energy exchange during peak demand hours. Officials informed him that necessary measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply despite seasonal challenges.
Emphasising the need to maintain the momentum of reforms beyond the RDSS programme, Omar Abdullah directed the department to ensure timely completion of all sanctioned projects, closely monitor execution, remove implementation bottlenecks and strengthen accountability at every level.
He also stressed the need to expand the network of aerial bunched cables, strengthen the transmission infrastructure and leverage emerging technologies to improve system reliability and minimise power losses. He called for greater focus on consumer-centric services while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the power sector.
The Chief Minister was informed that proposals are being prepared for additional infrastructure investments, including expansion of AB cable networks, key transmission projects, battery energy storage systems and rooftop solar initiatives aimed at enhancing grid stability, integrating renewable energy and improving electricity supply in remote and border areas.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of electrification in uncovered habitations, ongoing transmission projects, feeder-wise power curtailment, tariff proceedings for the financial year 2026-27 and other proposed interventions for modernising the electricity sector.
Reiterating that reliable and affordable electricity remains central to his government’s development agenda, the Chief Minister directed the department to adopt a result-oriented approach to improve the quality of power supply, enhance consumer satisfaction and build a modern, efficient and financially sustainable power sector across Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
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