KPDCL targets high-value consumers in flat-rate areas

Srinagar, July 29: To check power pilferage and bring down losses in unmetered flat-rate areas, Kashmir DISCOM is conducting calibrated load rationalisation, based on actual electricity usage by the domestic consumers.

A spokesman of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) in a statement issued here said that strict directions had been given to all the electric subdivisions to carry out door-to-door inspections, focusing particularly on high-value consumers, whose agreed load is significantly lower than actual consumption.

He said that under the flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of India, LT network and smart metering projects were being implemented to bring about a complete turnaround in the power sector, with the ultimate goal of providing uninterrupted and affordable power supply to its consumers.

“All 13 packages related to loss reduction works are in progress in 10 districts of Kashmir division under which DT substations and LT-AB cables are being laid,” he said and urged consumers to facilitate the executing agencies in laying of new distribution infrastructure and upgradation of existing infrastructure in a hassle-free manner.

There have been reports where manpower of the executing agencies has been physically assaulted for laying of LT-AB cable and removal of the bare conductor.

“Complaints of physical assault have been received from parts of Srinagar city, Ganderbal, Kupwara, and Budgam districts,” he said. “These are resolved with active support and facilitation extended by district and Police administrations.”

Urging the consumers not to confuse load calibration with tariff hike that falls entirely within the domain of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), the spokesman said that loads of consumers were being revised based on actual consumption patterns.

“In several instances, the agreed load of the consumer is much lower than the actual consumption,” he said.

The spokesman said that decks had been cleared for the smart metering of flat-rated consumers, which would empower them with better control over their budget and real-time monitoring of consumption patterns.