Srinagar, Jan 10: In an effort to reign in the default figures and ensure an uninterrupted power supply in valley, the Managing Director of Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mussarat Islam, urged consumers to clear their outstanding balance on account of electricity dues, failing which KPDCL shall be left with no option but to further accelerate its disconnection drives as warranted under Section 56 of the Electricity Act.
He further stated that smart meter consumers with arrears are being automatically disconnected if they do not pay their pending power bills . He impressed the significance of consumers settling their outstanding electricity bills promptly.
Underlining the impact of default figures on the corporation’s financial health, Islam stressed that clearing pending bills is pivotal for resource availability to facilitate critical power purchases.
The MD expressed concern about default figures across domestic, commercial, and industrial categories, citing their adverse effects on the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The RDSS aims to transform the Low Tension (LT) Distribution Network in Kashmir Division, and the financial strain caused by defaults threatens to impede its progress.
Highlighting the automatic disconnection of smart meter consumers with arrears, Islam indicated the corporation’s commitment to enforcing Section 56 of the Electricity Act when necessary.
This provision empowers KPDCL to accelerate disconnection drives for consumers failing to clear their dues. The MD acknowledged the role of revenue generated from bill clearances in ensuring a reliable power supply, emphasizing the potential consequences of defaulting on this responsibility.
To address the challenge posed by reluctant consumers, KPDCL has issued directives to all 19 Electric Divisions to intensify disconnection drives.
