Jammu Kashmir Reports 3 Per Cent Transmission Loss, ATC Losses Fall to 15.40 Per Cent in 2024-25 | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded transmission losses of 3 per cent in its power network, while aggregated technical and commercial (ATC) losses in the distribution segment declined to 15.40 per cent in 2024-25, the Union Government informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Replying to an unstarred question in the Ministry of Power, Minister of State Shripad Naik said the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) losses across the country range between 2.99 per cent and 5.10 per cent, with an annual average of 3.75 per cent. State-wise data placed before Parliament shows that Jammu and Kashmir’s transmission loss stands at 3 per cent.

In the distribution segment, the government shared the ATC loss figures for the last three financial years. Jammu and Kashmir recorded losses of 15.47 per cent in 2022-23, which rose to 16.33 per cent in 2023-24 before declining to 15.40 per cent in 2024-25.

The latest figure places the Union Territory close to the national average and within the range targeted under the Centre’s reforms. The government has set a pan-India goal of bringing ATC losses down to 12–15 per cent.

The Minister said the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), launched in July 2021, is aimed at improving the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of distribution utilities. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided for upgrading distribution infrastructure, system modernisation, and installation of smart pre-paid meters.

Release of funds is linked to performance parameters of States and Union Territories.

The Centre has also introduced measures including implementation of Late Payment Surcharge rules to ensure timely payments to generating companies, cost-reflective tariffs with automatic pass-through of fuel and power purchase costs, timely tariff and true-up orders, prompt subsidy payments by State governments, and improved energy accounting, billing and collection systems. Additional borrowing space linked to power sector reforms has also been extended to States.

Nationally, ATC losses of distribution utilities have reduced from 21.91 per cent in 2020-21 to 15.04 per cent in 2024-25.