J&K power distribution utilities push for 5% increase in tariff

Srinagar, Aug 8: Jammu & Kashmir’s two power distribution utilities-Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL)-have proposed a five percent hike in electricity tariff across all consumer categories for the financial year 2026–27.
In their separate petitions submitted to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for J&K and Ladakh, both utilities have proposed five percent increase in basic tariff.
“The Petitioner has conveyed its proposal regarding tariff revision for the proposed sub-categories at 5% across the board, along with J&K Government commitment towards subsidy support. Accordingly, the petitioner has requested the Commission to determine the subsidized tariff in accordance with the applicable provisions of law and the relevant Tariff Regulations,” reads the petitions.
The KPDCL and JPDCL have also sought rationalization of tariff categories, proposing to reduce the number of categories from 13 to 8 and sub-categories from 47 to 22.
“The Petitioner submitted that, in compliance with the Revised Results Evaluation Framework of KPDCL—Part IV (Policy and Structural Reforms, Sub-part (2), Tariff Rationalization)—it has proposed reducing the number of tariff categories from 13 to 8 and sub-categories from 47 to 22,” the petitions read.
The JERC has conducted public hearings on the matter and is expected to take a final call soon on the matter.
President of the Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), Shahid Kamili, said that the chamber strongly opposed the proposed tariff hike during the public hearing.
“They have proposed a five percent increase in the basic tariff, but we opposed it. How can industries survive when you increase tariffs in the absence of incentives and marketing support from the government?”Kamili asked. (KNO)