Covering Power Bills of Poor: Final procedure will be out soon, KPDC

Smart meters will have to be installed in any case, says CE, KPDC

Srinagar, Aug 09 (KNO): Days after announcing power tariff relaxation to the poor, the government on Wednesday said that the formal procedure has not been followed yet while there will be exemption for smart meters installation across the Valley.

Pertinently, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha made a big announcement, saying that the government will take care of the electricity bills of the poor across Jammu& Kashmir. The announcement was made by the Lt Governor on Monday.

Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Javed Yousuf Dar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the announcement has not taken a formal shape yet, but the measures in this regard will be started soon.

“We have not received any formal order yet, but let me make it clear that the smart meters will have to be installed across Kashmir. The consumers belonging to any category, be it APL, BP:, AAY or others, will be connected with smart meters,” he said.

However, he said that there would be possibly less rates for the poor compared to the elite class. “The decision has not taken a formal shape yet, but will be done soon. Nonetheless, the decision can only be implemented when the elite class consumers pay their bills as per the usage. We can go ahead with any decision, but at least those having capability should pay their tariff as per the usage,” he said.

“Things about the power tariff bills of poor will be cleared once the formal order will be received,” he added—(KNO)