After smart meter backlash, Omar govt faces scrutiny over proposed 20% peak hour power surcharge

SRINAGAR: As installation of smart meters and failure to provide 200 free power units were major factors in NCs loss from its strong bastion in Budgam bypolls, the Omar Abdullah government is now facing fresh public anger over proposed move of 20 percent surcharge on base electricity tariff for consumption during designated peak hours in the Valley. The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), which handles electricity distribution in the Valley, has sought approval from Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) to introduce the surcharge on all categories of consumers during peak hours. The proposed tariff hike would apply during peak consumption hours -- 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 10 pm -- when demand naturally surges in winter due to bone chilling cold. If cleared by the Omar government, the proposal would mean a 20 percent increase in electricity bills for units consumed during these hours, significantly affecting households. The power department falls under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the proposed move has ignited a storm of public resentment. How is the government even thinking of a 20% surcharge during peak hours? questioned Abdul Samad, a retired government employee. In the harsh winter, mornings and evenings are the coldest, and that is when people need electricity the most. Instead of providing relief, the government seems focused on anti-people decisions. Political leaders across party lines have also joined the chorus of criticism. J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari termed the proposal a grave injustice to people, who are already struggling to survive an economic crisis. The government has a moral duty to consider peoples hardships before enforcing such a harsh measure. It must show mercy to those who are already suffering, he said. PDP MLA Waheed Para said in Kashmir, electricity is not a luxury but a lifeline. At a time when families are already struggling, raising tariffs on the poor and middle class will be cruel and catastrophic. Policies that ignore human suffering have no place in a just administration, he said. Peoples Conference General Secretary Molvi Imran Ansari said proposals on 20% surcharge raise serious questions about who is actually formulating and approving critical power-sector decisions in J&K. By the way, wasnt someone loudly promising 200 units of free electricity not too long ago? Kashmir didnt get 200 units free instead, were getting 20% extra charge during the peak hours when people are freezing and desperately need electricity, he said. Amid mounting criticism, senior NC leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq, who is close to CM Omar Abdullah, attempted damage control by claiming that Omar government would not allow any unfair or ill-timed tariff burden on the people. In a harsh winter, power is a necessity, not a luxury in the Valley. The government has already taken a clear stand against such proposals, he said. The power-related issues played a key role in ruling NCs humiliating loss in Budgam bypolls, which was the party's safest bastion and where the NC had not lost an election since 1977.