Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 02: In a significant announcement heralded as a “New Year gift” to consumers, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that there will be no general increase in electricity tariffs across the Union Territory for the financial year 2025–26. Time of Day (ToD) charges will also remain unchanged.
The decision, officially communicated by the Chief Minister’s Office on the social media platform X as per Kashmir Convener, dispels widespread apprehensions regarding a potential hike. It specifically addresses concerns over a proposed additional surcharge on electricity consumption during morning and evening peak hours.
“For 2025–26, there is no general increase in electricity tariffs across J&K and the Time of Day (ToD) tariff remains unchanged,” stated the official release. It further emphasized the administration’s commitment to public welfare by ensuring the continued affordability of essential services.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference spokesman Imran Nabi Dar described the move as a fulfilment of party pledges. “As promised, there is NO increase in power tariff in J&K. A New Year gift from Omar Abdullah’s government to power consumers,” Dar posted on X as per Kashmir Convener.
He said the decision brings much-needed relief to households, particularly during the demanding winter season, and reflects a key governance promise being honoured.
The announcement follows a petition by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, which had sought an increase in the existing 20 per cent surcharge applied during peak usage hours. The government’s decision ensures this charge will not be raised.
The move is widely seen as a measure to alleviate economic pressure on citizens and stabilise living costs as the Union Territory steps into the new year.
The Kashmir Convener team spoke with many business units and local residents, who termed the move a relief and a real New Year gift.
A senior member of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry told The Kashmir Convener that this is a decisive move for economic stability. “Unpredictable energy costs are a major hurdle for manufacturing and small industries. By holding the tariff line, the government has effectively reduced our operational anxiety for the coming year, allowing us to plan for growth and job creation with more confidence.”
Syed Roul, a hotelier in Gulmarg, said: “Hospitality runs on power for heating, water, and essential services. A tariff hike, especially with ToD charges, would have directly increased our overheads, forcing a tough choice between absorbing losses or raising room rates. This decision is a relief. It helps us maintain affordability for our guests during the crucial winter tourism season.”
Junaid Janwari, President of the Industrial Estate Sopore, stated “Our units operate around the clock. The fear of increased Time of Day charges during peak hours was a significant concern. The government’s announcement is not just a freeze on paper; it’s a freeze on rising production costs. This is the kind of support that keeps the industrial wheels turning.”
He added, “For a small unit running a few machines, even a small per-unit increase translates to lakhs over a year. This announcement is a direct injection of viability. It means entrepreneurs can invest in their business instead of just paying bigger bills.”
Ghulam Mohammad Dar, a baker (Kandur) in Downtown Srinagar, said “My tandoor and lights are on from pre-dawn. The news of a possible surcharge in the morning peak hours had me worried. This decision is a weight off my shoulders. It means my roti can remain at the same price for my community.”
He added, “This is prudent governance. In times of global economic pressure, protecting citizens from inflationary triggers like power tariffs is essential. It’s not just about money; it’s a message that public welfare is being prioritized.”
Other residents expressed relief, stating, “We were all discussing the possible hike, calculating how much more we’d have to pay. This announcement has brought a collective sigh of relief. It feels like the government has listened to the common man’s worry. Yeh wali baat sahi hai (This is the right thing to do).”
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