Says Omar Govt. Admits 11 Lakh Smart Meters Installed Under Its Watch Since October 2024
Srinagar, Sep 22: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone has taken sharp aim at NC-led government over its power policy, saying the administration that promised 200 units of free electricity to consumers has instead pushed through a tariff revision that will collect ₹251 crore more from them in 2026–27 alone.
“The NC-led government may not have provided 200 units of free electricity to consumers but it has admitted today in response to my question that ₹251 crore will be collected from consumers on account of recent power tariff,” Lone said.
Lone pointed out that the government’s own reply confirmed the revised tariff approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission will generate the additional ₹251 crore for the DISCOMs during the current financial year attributing the hike to the gap between electricity supply costs and revenue realised under the existing tariff.
On the government’s defence that the 200-unit promise is being honoured through a RESCO-based rooftop solar scheme under which eligible households will receive 2 kW systems Lone noted that the benefit kicks in only after commissioning with no figure placed on record for how many households have actually been commissioned to date.
He also flagged that the government admitted to installing 11 lakh smart meters across Jammu and Kashmir since assuming office in October 2024.
