The Habitual Shifts

Electricity tariff in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is anticipated to increase by one rupee per unit. The current tariff is fixed at Rs 4.50 per unit. The increase in the tariff is supposed to affect the thermal power purchase agreement in the valley. The region relies on hydropower with a capacity of 20,000 MW against which only 1500 MW has been harnessed. The solar power purchase agreement in the region is 1600 MW which oversteps the hydropower energy. The power utilisation compared to the power generation is relatively higher as per the statements of the officials. However, the government is attempting to provide a good amount of power for the day-to-day usage of the people of Kashmir. Enhancing the capacity of power generation, development, management, and allowance is being revised by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD). With the installation of Smart meters, tariff changes are witnessed by its consumers. The changes are always reported to be higher than before. This irks the people and affects their open reliance on the electricity that reaches their doorsteps. Electricity in the valley has become an unreliable source for the people with the sudden changes either in the schedule or in the tariff. Its system needs to be arranged in a proper consumer-friendly approach. Along with the returns from consumers, the Power Development Department must barter a sufficient amount of power supply to them. In the harsh winter, the maintenance of electricity poses a challenge to both the department and the people.