CM Omar pushes for modern, financially sustainable power sector in J&K

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Power Development Department, underscoring his government’s commitment to strengthening Jammu and Kashmir’s power infrastructure through sustained reforms, modernization and improved service delivery.

The Chief Minister reviewed the overall performance of the power sector, including revenue realization, implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, transmission projects and the roadmap for future reforms.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department Ashwini Kumar, ACS to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Managing Director Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited Gurpal Singh, Managing Director KPDCL Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Chief Electrical Inspectorate PDD Sanjay Sharma, senior officers of JKTPCL, senior engineers and other concerned officers.

During the presentation, it was informed that Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in implementing power sector reforms under RDSS, with projects worth over ₹5,700 crore under execution across the region. Of these, works worth nearly ₹4,700 crore relating to loss reduction have largely been awarded.

Reforms related to metering is expected to improve billing efficiency, reduce losses and empower consumers through transparent energy usage.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of extensive loss reduction works, including installation of aerial bunched (AB) cables, feeder segregation, augmentation of distribution transformers, underground cabling and strengthening of the distribution network. Officers informed the meeting that several districts have recorded substantial progress under these components, with many packages nearing completion.

Reviewing the financial health of the power sector, the Chief Minister noted the encouraging improvement in revenue realization. It was informed that annual revenue realization has increased significantly over the past several years, while the gap between power purchase cost and revenue realization has narrowed owing to sustained reforms, better billing and improved collections.

The meeting was informed that billing efficiency has improved from 56 per cent in FY 2021-22 to 77 per cent in FY 2025-26, while overall AT&C losses have declined drastically during the same period. The ACS-ARR gap has also reduced significantly, reflecting improving financial sustainability of the power utilities.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of reduced hydro power generation during the current summer due to low water availability, which has increased dependence on power procurement from the energy exchange during peak demand hours. Officers briefed him on measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply despite seasonal challenges.

Reviewing the roadmap ahead, the Chief Minister stressed the need to maintain the momentum of reforms beyond the ongoing RDSS programme. He directed the department to ensure timely completion of all sanctioned works, to closely monitor project execution, remove implementation bottlenecks and improve accountability at every level.

He also emphasized the importance of expanding AB cable coverage, strengthening the transmission network and leveraging emerging technologies to improve reliability and reduce system losses. He called for focused efforts to improve consumer services while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the power sector.

The Chief Minister was informed about proposals for additional infrastructure investments, including expansion of AB cable networks, critical transmission projects, battery energy storage systems and rooftop solar initiatives aimed at improving grid stability, enhancing renewable energy integration and providing reliable electricity in remote and border areas.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of electrification works in uncovered habitations, ongoing transmission projects, feeder-wise power curtailment, tariff proceedings for FY 2026-27 and proposed interventions to further modernize the power sector.

Reiterating that reliable and affordable electricity remains central to the government’s development agenda, the Chief Minister directed the department to adopt a results-oriented approach to ensure quality power supply, improve consumer satisfaction and build a modern, efficient and financially sustainable power sector for Jammu and Kashmir.