Smart Meter Consumers Seeking 24*7 Electricity ‘involved in power pilferage’, says KPDCL
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has stated that consumers with smart meters seeking 24/7 electricity are involved in power theft. Managing Director Mussarat Zia made this statement during a press conference.
Zia emphasized that providing 24/7 electricity is not possible until power theft and illegal hooking issues are resolved. He specifically mentioned that consumers in metered areas seeking round-the-clock electricity are engaging in illegal activities.
The KPDCL MD clarified that there will be no revision in tariff slabs in the current fiscal year. He also highlighted the benefits of smart meters, calling them the best tool for maintaining transparency.
Domestic consumers are the major defaulters in paying electricity dues, according to Zia. To address this, KPDCL aims to install 3.39 lakh smart meters under the RDSS scheme.
The goal is to make Kashmir a fully smart-metered region within the next 27 months. This initiative is part of the RDSS scheme.
Regarding pending electricity dues from government departments, KPDCL MD stated that payments have been received in the last two quarters.
In the fiscal year 2022-23, nearly Rs 400 crores were pending, but in 2023-24, more than Rs 750 crores have been paid.
KPDCL is working to address power theft and payment defaults to ensure a stable and efficient electricity supply in the region.
