Sajad Lone Questions J&K Power Tariff Hike, Says Omar Abdullah Approved 5% Proposal
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Saturday criticised the latest power tariff increase, highlighting an official communication in which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his capacity as Minister in charge of the Power Development Department (PDD), approved a proposal for a 5% tariff hike. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Lone referred to the communication submitted by the PDD to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) and said it clearly mentioned that the “Hon’ble CM (In-charge Minister, PDD)” had approved the proposed 5% increase.
The JERC subsequently approved an average 6.83% increase in power tariffs for Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone Questions Government Over Tariff Increase
In a statement, Lone questioned the government over the additional financial burden the revised tariffs would place on electricity consumers.
He said the latest tariff revision would put an additional burden of more than Rs 500 crore on consumers.
Lone also pointed to the National Conference government’s election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said people were still waiting for the implementation of the promised free electricity scheme while power tariffs were being increased.
‘200 Units of Free Electricity’ Promise
Lone recalled that Omar Abdullah had promised 200 units of free electricity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the election campaign.
He highlighted what he described as a contrast between the electoral promise and the latest increase in electricity tariffs.
The Peoples Conference leader used the issue to question the government’s approach to electricity pricing and its commitment to promises made to voters.
Taking a sarcastic swipe at the government and its supporters, Lone concluded:
“My salutes to great people who voted them to power.”
The JERC’s approved average tariff increase of 6.83% is scheduled to come into effect from September 1, 2026, with the revised rates applying to electricity consumed from that date.
