Unmetered consumers billed at flat rates as per JERC Tariff: CM Omar

Jammu, Feb 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that unmetered electricity consumers in the Union Territory are being billed on a flat-rate basis strictly in accordance with the tariff approved by the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).

The Chief Minister, who also holds the Power Department portfolio, said that electricity connections are issued as per the JERC Supply Code Regulations, 2023, following proper field verification by concerned officials.

He said inspection teams regularly check electricity usage and, in cases where consumers are found drawing power beyond the sanctioned load, revisions are carried out on the spot in a transparent and accountable manner.

Omar Abdullah was replying to a question raised by MLA Budhal, Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, regarding the electrification of villages in his constituency.

The Chief Minister informed the House that electrification of un-electrified and partially electrified habitations, including Morhas, in Budhal constituency—covering both tribal and non-tribal areas—is being undertaken under the DA-JGUA scheme.

He said the works were allotted to a private firm on October 14, 2025, and the scheme envisages electrification of 275 habitations in Budhal. The project is scheduled for completion by October 2026.

Addressing concerns over temporary power arrangements, Omar Abdullah said sustained efforts are underway to strengthen and upgrade the power distribution network in Rajouri district under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS).