H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), today reviewed the functioning of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), focusing on maximizing revenue and reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. The meeting was attended by the MD JPDCL, MD JKPTCL, Additional Secretaries, Chief Engineers, Chief Electrical Inspector, and other JPDCL officers.
Managing Director JPDCL, Yasin Chaudhary, during his detailed presentation, provided an area- and district-wise overview of various performance parameters, including billing efficiency, collection efficiency, and other commercial metrics. He highlighted that the total revenue collection of JPDCL as of November 2024 had reached Rs. 1661.54 Crores, marking a 20.49% increase compared to the previous year. The Managing Director also apprised that the overall power situation in Jammu had significantly improved, with unscheduled power cuts largely minimized, except on a few occasions due to low frequency/technical constraints at the northern grid, particularly during peak load times. He credited the smart metering system as a key tool in reducing wastage, leading to improvements across various aspects.
The Principal Secretary reviewed the performance of JPDCL’s all 1400 feeders and observed significant improvements in many areas with reduced losses. He instructed the MD to conduct Case Studies of the best-performing districts to replicate successful practices in other areas. He also called for recognizing and rewarding high-performing officers while taking strict action against underperformers.
The status of smart metering projects was also reviewed, with notable progress in different districts of the UT. The Principal Secretary expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, particularly in smart-metered areas, where losses had decreased. He directed that 100% smart-metered areas should be ensured continuous power supply.
The Principal Secretary reiterated the Government’s top priority of achieving 100% smart metering on all Feeders and Distribution Transformers (DTs) and called for effective implementation of smart Feeder & DT Metering projects. These initiatives will improve energy accounting and load management. It was informed that JPDCL is close to completing feeder metering for all 1400 feeders, ahead of other states and UTs. He also advised adding more features to feeder metering systems to improve tracking and remote monitoring of energy parameters, curtailments, and outages. This initiative will go a long way in the overall automation and modernization of the Power Distribution sector, ultimately leading to enhanced consumer satisfaction, he added.
Additionally, the Principal Secretary urged officers to reduce losses at all divisional and sub-divisional levels to 15%. He reminded them that J&K has one of the lowest power tariffs in the country, while power purchase prices are much higher and require advance payments. He emphasized the importance of educating consumers to pay their dues on time
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