Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government is going to provide 200 free units of electricity to AYY households to improve their quality of life.
Replying to the questions of Narender Singh Raina, Sajad Lone and Shabir Ahmad Kullay, PDD Minister as per news agency JKNS said that the Government shall provide 200 units of free electricity to all AAY households, integrated with the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojna (PMSGMBY). The proposal aims to benefit all households falling under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category by providing them with free electricity up to 200 units, thereby alleviating their financial burden and improving their quality of life. This shall be done through the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation model or any other financially viable model to benefit the aforementioned Households.
Regarding electricity bills, it is stated that consumers in J&K are charged heavily subsidized tariffs, especially in the domestic category.
The current tariff for domestic consumers ranges from Rs. 2.30 per unit (for up to 200 units per month) to Rs. 4.35 per unit, which is among the lowest in the country. For the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category, the tariff is even lower at Rs. 1.40 per unit for consumption up to 30 units per month. In comparison, the average cost of power supply is around Rs. 7 per unit.
As such, there are no excessive bills charged to consumers. Metered consumers are billed based on actual consumption, while unmetered consumers are billed on a flat-rate basis, which is determined by their sanctioned/agreed load according to the applicable tariff slabs.
“Further, in case of any billing-related complaints from consumers these are promptly examined and addressed as per the Electricity Supply Code.” He said
“As regards the waiving of excessive electric bills, it is to mention that unpaid electricity bills over months/year’s result in the accumulation of arrears. Even in such cases, in an effort to streamline the billing and collection systems, an opportunity to waive the interest/surcharge component on outstanding electricity arrears has been provided to domestic consumers to clear their dues under the ongoing Amnesty Scheme.”He said.
“The Government intends to extend the existing Amnesty Scheme, with modifications, as announced by the Minister I/C Power, during his reply to the discussions on the Grants. A large number of consumers from almost every district have already benefited from this scheme.” He added.
“Regarding the financial implications of providing 200 units of free electricity, the department has decided to adopt the RESCO model for the installation of Solar Roof Top Systems (SRTs) at the premises of Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, which are mostly located in hilly areas. This approach will enable local electricity generation, eliminating the costs associated with transmitting and distributing electricity from distant generators. Additionally, the subsidy provided under the ongoing PM Surya Muft Bijlee Yojna will be leveraged. A survey of the target beneficiaries is being initiated, and once completed, taking the factors mentioned above into account, a financial model will be finalized to ensure the most suitable and sustainable implementation.” The Minister said.—(JKNS)
