Srinagar, July 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday reviewed the performance of the Power Development Department (PDD), directing officials to accelerate power sector reforms, ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects and strengthen the financial sustainability of power utilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
Chairing a comprehensive review meeting, the Chief Minister assessed progress in 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, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Managing Director of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) Gurpal Singh, Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) Mehmood Ahmad Shah, Chief Electrical Inspector Sanjay Sharma and senior officers of the department.
Officials informed the meeting that projects worth more than ₹5,700 crore are currently under execution in Jammu and Kashmir under the RDSS, with works valued at nearly ₹4,700 crore relating to loss reduction having largely been awarded.
The meeting reviewed progress on installation of aerial bunched (AB) cables, feeder segregation, augmentation of distribution transformers, underground cabling and strengthening of the distribution network. Officials said several districts have recorded substantial progress under these components, with many project packages nearing completion.
Reviewing the financial performance of the power sector, officials informed the Chief Minister that annual revenue realization has improved significantly over the past few years, while the gap between power purchase costs and revenue realization has narrowed due to improved billing, higher collections and sustained reforms.
According to the department, billing efficiency has increased from 56 per cent in 2021-22 to 77 per cent in 2025-26, while overall AT&C losses have declined considerably during the same period. The gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Revenue Realisation (ARR) has also reduced, reflecting improved financial health of the power utilities.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the impact of reduced hydroelectric power generation during the current summer owing to low water availability, which has increased dependence on electricity purchases from energy exchanges during peak demand periods. Officials briefed him on measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply despite seasonal constraints.
Emphasising the need to sustain the pace of reforms beyond the RDSS programme, Omar Abdullah directed the department to ensure timely completion of all sanctioned works, closely monitor project execution, remove implementation bottlenecks and improve accountability.
He also called for expanding the coverage of AB cables, strengthening the transmission network and leveraging emerging technologies to improve reliability, reduce system losses and enhance consumer services while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the power sector.
The meeting also reviewed 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, integrating renewable energy and ensuring reliable electricity supply in remote and border areas.
Progress on electrification of uncovered habitations, ongoing transmission projects, feeder-wise power curtailment and tariff proceedings for the 2026-27 financial year also came up for discussion.
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 improve the quality of power supply, enhance consumer satisfaction and build a modern, efficient and financially sustainable power sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
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