KPDCL, JPDCL submit petitions to JERC proposing tariff rationalization and category reduction
Srinagar :Jammu and 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 tariffs across all consumer categories for the 2026–27 financial year.
In separate petitions submitted to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for J&K and Ladakh, both utilities requested a 5% increase in the basic tariff alongside structural reforms to reduce tariff categories from 13 to 8 and sub-categories from 47 to 22.
“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,” the petitions state.
The proposed reduction in categories aligns with the Revised Results Evaluation Framework’s structural reform guidelines. While the JERC has concluded public hearings and is expected to deliver its final verdict soon, business leaders have voiced strong opposition.
Shahid Kamili, President of the Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK), vigorously opposed the proposal during public proceedings, stating, “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?”
