Power tariff emerges as second largest revenue source in J&K

Srinagar, Feb 14: Revenue generated from electricity tariff has emerged as the second-highest revenue resource after GST collections for the Government of Jammu and Kashmir after GST collections, with receipts touching Rs 4,908 crore during the financial year 2024-25, official figures indicate.
Officials said the rise in power sector revenue has coincided with the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Development Package and the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, under which large-scale infrastructure works are underway. Smart metering and aerial-bunched cabling projects are progressing across multiple districts to reduce transmission losses and improve billing efficiency.
Authorities maintained that the quality and continuity of power supply have shown measurable improvement during 2025-26, attributing the gains to system strengthening, feeder segregation and technology-driven monitoring.
Despite public protests in certain areas over the installation of smart meters, the government has continued the rollout across the length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the smart metering initiative is aimed at ensuring accurate billing, minimising power theft and enhancing financial sustainability of the power distribution system.
The administration reiterated that reforms in the electricity sector are central to improving service delivery while maintaining fiscal stability. [KNT]