Srinagar- Close on the heels of a massive controversy in Kashmir over the installation of smart meters, the Power Development Department (PDD) has proposed an extra 20 percent charge on electricity consumption during morning and evening hours in the Valley.

The Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has sought approval from Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to impose a 20 percent surcharge on all categories of consumers except for the agriculture sector during peak hours, when demand is at its highest due to the bone‑chilling cold in the Valley.

According to a petition filed before the JERC for J&K and Ladakh, KPDCL has proposed the surcharge for different consumer categories, including domestic households. The JERC, a quasi‑judicial body, is empowered to app

See Full Page