AT&C Losses Down By 26 Points As Smart Meters Cross 3.8 Lakh Mark in J&K – Alfaaz – The Words

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has registered significant progress in its power sector reform efforts under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with latest departmental data showing substantial reductions in aggregate losses and steady advancement in infrastructure modernisation.

During a high-level review chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday, it was revealed that the PIA-wise progress in loss-reduction and IT/OT works has reached 74% for JPDCL and 73% for KPDCL. For PESL, the progress stands at 57% in Kashmir and 33% in Jammu, while NTPC has achieved 72% in Kashmir and 31% in Jammu. Officials said these figures reflect an upward trajectory in district-wise execution ahead of the RDSS sunset deadlines.

The meeting was informed that AT&C losses have seen a notable drop, from 58% in 2022 to around 32% at present, with the government now targeting a sharp reduction to 12% by 2028. Similarly, the ACS-ARR gap has narrowed significantly from ₹3.11 to ₹1.29. Billing efficiency has increased from 56% to 69%, and collection efficiency has surged from 75% to 94%, marking visible strides toward financial stability and service accountability in the power sector.

On the smart metering front, officials presented a detailed update noting steady improvements. Of the 7,62,872 smart meters assigned to JPDCL, 1,87,894 meters have been installed so far. KPDCL, tasked with installing 7,27,855 meters, has completed 1,93,777 installations. Authorities said the rollout is expected to bring greater transparency, accurate billing, and better consumer experience across Jammu and Kashmir.