With revenue surging as J&K has succeeded in sanitizing power theft to an astonishing Rs 4,207.61 crore (2023-24 FY). The Union Territory has placed a new chapter into the record books of the J&K power sector!
An incredible 98% growth in the last seven years does not come without commending the steady reforms in governance as well as infrastructure developments in the current government as it took up the challenges of efficiency in the power sector.
For many years, the power sector was mired in inefficiencies, with losses totalling large numbers and reaching a critical mass of financial vulnerability.
And, the very fact that revenues have now skyrocketed, speaks for itself.
The turn-around is due to a multitude of reasons; stringent revenue collection; numerous anti-power theft drives; smart metering; a decrease in aggregate technical & commercial (AT&C) loss; better-located and managed power distribution supply, and a larger number of consumers due to electrification of rural and out of the way areas, and investment into many infrastructure upgrades and refurbishments to improve electricity supply, including new grid systems, generating plants etc.
Moreover, once again, the viability of a strong power sector is a core component of economic development, and with the surge in revenues, J&K could very well develop into more infrastructure projects to supply uninterrupted power service all industries, business and residential locations.
This will not only benefit local entrepreneurs to raise but will also attract external investors, resulting in job creation and overall economic stability.
While this is commendable and we can congratulate UT, they have some challenges left. The UT should continue to ensure that meters are installed in every household and digital billing is instituted so that inefficiencies are eliminated.
Also, the UT should continue to work on eliminating power theft using a combination of tighter enforcement with compliance and continued public awareness.
The power sector in J&K really is a great example of how governance reform and infrastructure investment can transform an important sector.
If the opportunity is grasped, Jammu and Kashmir could soon become an example of power sustainability in India bringing light energy and prosperity to all.
