Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Reviews Jammu and Kashmir Power Sector Reforms for Better Electricity Supply
SRINAGAR, July 6, 2026:- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Power Development Department to accelerate modernization and ensure a reliable electricity supply across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting focused on reducing infrastructure losses, upgrading transmission networks, and achieving financial sustainability. Attending officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Additional Chief Secretary Ashwini Kumar, discussed the roadmap for future energy reforms and the timely execution of consumer-centric projects.
The department reported significant progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, with projects worth over 5,700 crore rupees currently under execution across the region. Loss reduction works valued at nearly 4,700 crore rupees have been awarded, featuring the installation of aerial bunched cables, feeder segregation, and distribution transformer upgrades.
Advanced metering reforms are also underway, which officials expect will enhance billing efficiency, reduce technical losses, and provide transparent energy usage data for consumers.Financial assessments during the meeting revealed a positive trend in revenue realization, with the gap between power purchase costs and revenue collection narrowing over recent years.
Data presented showed that billing efficiency increased from 56 percent in the 2021-2022 fiscal year to 77 percent in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, leading to a drastic decline in overall aggregate technical and commercial losses. The administration also reviewed mitigation strategies for the current summer season, where low water availability reduced local hydropower generation and increased reliance on power procurement from energy exchanges during peak hours.
Looking forward, Omar Abdullah directed officials to maintain reform momentum beyond current programs, eliminate implementation bottlenecks, and enhance accountability at all levels. The Chief Minister reviewed additional infrastructure proposals, including expanding the cable network, critical transmission links, battery energy storage systems, and rooftop solar initiatives to improve grid stability in remote and border areas.
The session concluded with directives to prioritize consumer satisfaction, finalize tariff proceedings for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and complete electrification in remaining uncovered habitations.