Srinagar, Sept 22 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Tuesday criticised the NC-led government over the recent power tariff revision, saying the government had promised 200 units of free electricity but has instead imposed an additional financial burden on consumers.
“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 as per news agency JKNS while speaking in the assembly.
Lone said the government’s reply stated that the revised tariff approved by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission would generate an additional ₹251 crore for the DISCOMs during the current financial year, attributing the revision to the gap between the cost of electricity supply and revenue realised under the existing tariff.
On the government’s position that the 200-unit promise is being fulfilled through a RESCO-based rooftop solar scheme, under which eligible households would receive 2 kW systems, Lone said the benefit would accrue only after commissioning.
He also questioned how many households had actually received commissioned systems so far, saying no such figure had been placed on record.
Lone further said the government had admitted to the installation of 11 lakh smart meters across Jammu and Kashmir since October 2024, when the present government assumed office. (JKNS)
