J&K Govt likely to complete smart meters installation by next year

By: Riyaz Bhat

Srinagar: The government is likely to complete the process of installing smart meters by March-2026 in Jammu division and August-2026 in Kashmir region respectively.

An official said that more than 6.5 Lakh consumers have been upgraded to prepaid smart metering.

“The DISCOMs are implementing the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) viz. PMDP and RDSS for installation of smart metering projects in J&K,” the official said.

It also said that “The projects under PMDP stand completed, whereas, meter installation under RDSS is under execution, which is likely to be completed by 31.03.2026 in Jammu and by August 2026 in Kashmir region.”

Furthermore, the official added that “As a part of the PMDP initiative, more than 6.50 lac consumers have already been upgraded to prepaid smart metering in J&K.”

“Under RDSS, it is anticipated that approximately 14.48 lac consumer prepaid smart meters shall be installed,” the official said.

About the tariff and charges, the official further said, “The DISCOMs charge the electricity bills as per the tariff issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).”

“The electricity charges for rural and Urban areas are the same as per Tariff Order. The unmetered consumers are billed on flat rate basis which is determined on sanctioned or agreement load as per the slabs applicable to flat rate i.e. unmetered consumers,” the official said. —(KNO)