J&K's power sector reforms struggle amid 40 percent electricity loss rate

Govt targets power theft, inefficiencies in response to public outcry

JAMMU: Despite the Jammu and Kashmir government's significant investment in power sector reforms and various schemes amounting to crores of rupees, the region continues to grapple with a daunting Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) electricity loss rate of 40 percent.
This persistent issue underscores the ongoing challenges within the power sector, hindering economic growth and the efficient delivery of services.
The government has launched several initiatives aimed at upgrading infrastructure, enhancing grid management, and curbing power theft. These measures were intended to close the significant gap between the supply of electricity and the revenue generated from its consumption.
However, the high AT&C loss rate suggests that these efforts have not yet translated into the expected results. In response to this alarming situation, the Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the Power Department to identify and fix responsibility on officials and engineers overseeing the power distribution system.
The government has made it clear that laxity will no longer be tolerated and that action will be initiated against officers who fail to perform their duties effectively.
"The high rate of AT&C losses is unacceptable, especially after the substantial investments made in the power sector," said a senior government official. "We are committed to ensuring accountability and taking stringent action against those found responsible for these inefficiencies."
The directive comes amidst growing public discontent over frequent power outages and the disparity between power supply and billing efficiency. Consumers have often complained about inadequate and irregular power supply despite paying high electricity bills, further fueling dissatisfaction.
The Power Department has been tasked with conducting a thorough review of the existing systems and processes. This includes identifying areas with the highest losses, analyzing the causes, and implementing targeted measures to address these issues.
Emphasis will be placed on improving metering, billing, and collection processes, as well as enhancing surveillance to prevent power theft. "The goal is to ensure that the reforms and investments yield tangible results," the official added. "We need a robust and transparent system where every unit of electricity supplied is accounted for and paid for."
This development highlights the broader challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir in modernizing its infrastructure and improving governance. The region's power sector is seen as a critical component in its overall development strategy, particularly in fostering industrial growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.
The government's focus on accountability is a crucial step in addressing these challenges. By holding officials and engineers responsible for the performance of the power distribution system, there is an increased likelihood of identifying and rectifying the root causes of inefficiency. Enhanced surveillance and stricter enforcement of anti-theft measures are expected to play a pivotal role in reducing AT&C losses.
Moreover, the emphasis on improving metering, billing, and collection processes aims to ensure that the power sector operates on a sustainable financial footing. Accurate metering and billing are essential for maintaining the balance between supply and revenue, while efficient collection processes help in minimizing financial losses.

Updated On 7/19/2024 3:16:22 AM