Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 30: Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that electricity disconnections are carried out only against “persistent defaulters” and in areas where payment compliance remains “unsatisfactory.”
The clarification came in response to a question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali regarding disconnections in the Kangan constituency and complaints related to power billing and arrears recovery.
It also stated that officials have been directed to ensure minimal inconvenience to consumers.
The Government, through the Power Development Department, said the enforcement measures are aimed at improving payment compliance while ensuring that genuine consumers are not unduly affected.
It said that although a large number of consumers in the Kangan constituency have availed the Power Amnesty Scheme and are clearing their outstanding dues in instalments, disconnection drives are carried out strictly as per rules against persistent defaulters and in areas where payment compliance remains unsatisfactory.
The Government added that necessary instructions have been issued to field functionaries to ensure that disconnections are carried out judiciously and inconvenience to consumers, particularly during harsh winter conditions, is minimised.
The House was also informed that the Power Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers is in vogue till March 31, 2026, under which interest and surcharge accumulated up to March 2025 are waived to facilitate the clearance of pending electricity dues.
Addressing concerns over inflated electricity bills, the Government said consumer bills are generated as per meter readings in metered areas, while in non-metered areas billing is done on a flat-rate basis as per agreed load.
It added that the tariff is approved by the J&K Electricity Regulatory Commission under the prescribed framework.
To address billing-related grievances, the Government said a redressal mechanism is already in place on the JK Samadhan portal.
Consumers, the Government said, can also approach their concerned Electric Sub-Division to lodge complaints regarding load revision or tariff applicability, which are examined and addressed as per prescribed procedures.
Further, the Government said power distribution companies have a multi-tier grievance redressal system in place, allowing consumers to escalate complaints from the sub-division level to higher authorities, including Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Chief Engineer, and Managing Director, if they are not satisfied with the initial response.
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