Jammu, 22 August (H.S.): Electricity consumers across Jammu and Kashmir are set to face higher power bills from September 1 after the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved a revised retail electricity tariff for the Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) for 2026-27.

The revised tariff provides for an average increase of 6.83 per cent and will remain in force from September 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, unless modified or extended by the Commission.

For metered domestic consumers, the energy charge has been fixed at ₹2.45 per unit for consumption up to 200 units, ₹4.20 per unit for 201–400 units and ₹4.60 per unit beyond 400 units. A fixed charge of ₹10 per kW per month will also apply.

The Commission has retained concessional rates for BPL households and small agricultural consumers. Eligible BPL consumers using up to 30 units a month will pay ₹1.40 per unit with a fixed charge of ₹5 per kW per month, while agricultural connections up to 20 HP will be charged ₹1.05 per unit and ₹23 per HP per month as a fixed charge.

Commercial consumers will also see revised rates, with single-phase non-domestic users paying ₹3.75 per unit up to 200 units and ₹5.70 per unit thereafter, along with a fixed charge of ₹75 per kW per month.

JERC has approved a combined Annual Revenue Requirement of ₹10,275.72 crore for JPDCL and KPDCL for 2026-27. Revenue under the revised tariff is projected at ₹7,854.94 crore, leaving a gap of ₹2,420.78 crore to be met through government subsidy and grants.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar