J&K Electricity Tariff Hike: Power Bills Rise 6.83% From September 1

Electric power consumers in Jammu and Kashmir will have to pay 6.83 per cent increase in their monthly bills with effect from Tuesday. The revised power tariff was approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh (JERC-JKL). The commission has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in retail electricity tariffs for the 2026-27 financial year.

The revised rates will apply to electricity consumed from September 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027. For metered domestic consumers, the energy charge has been fixed at Rs 2.45 per unit for monthly consumption up to 200 units, Rs 4.20 per unit for consumption between 201 and 400 units and Rs 4.60 per unit for consumption above 400 units. The fixed charge has also been revised to Rs 10 per kW per month.

The revised tariff also introduces Time-of-Day (ToD) billing for consumers with a sanctioned load exceeding 10 kW, except those in the agricultural category. Under the system, the electricity charge varies according to the time at which power is consumed, with different rates applicable during designated peak and off-peak periods. The tariff revision follows JERC's assessment of the revenue requirements of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL).

According to the commission's order, the combined annual revenue requirement of the two distribution companies was assessed at Rs 10,275.72 crore, while the projected revenue at existing tariff levels was Rs 7,352.87 crore, leaving a gap of Rs 2,922.85 crore. The commission noted that meeting the entire gap through consumer tariffs alone would have required an increase of around 40 per cent.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has committed financial support of Rs 2,420.78 crore, helping limit the average tariff increase to 6.83 per cent. Various political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party and the Peoples Conference have been carrying out protects against the revision in the electric power tariff. There is severe criticism against the Union Territory government given the fact that in its election manifesto, the ruling National Conference (NC) had promised free 200 units of electric power to below poverty line consumers, a promise still unfulfilled.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has now said that the promised 200 units of free electric power to weaker section of the society would be provided through solar generating units. Solar power generating house utility units are provided through loan by the banks and later the Jammu and Kashmir government provides subsidy on such units. There is no clarity on as to how will the below poverty line consumers be able to meet the 50 per cent cost of installation for such units as the national scheme for installation of such units requires beneficiary to meet 50 per cent cost from own resources.

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