PDD extends amnesty scheme to ease electricity burdens

Srinagar, Feb 27: In a move aimed at providing relief to domestic electricity consumers, the Power Development Department (PDD) has announced the extension of the amnesty scheme in Jammu and Kashmir for the second time. This decision comes as a welcome respite for residents grappling with financial strains related to electricity bills.
The directive for this extension was issued by M S Malik, Director General of Finance at the Power Development Department. As per the order, the Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers has been prolonged by one year, extending its validity up to March 31, 2025. However, the final approval from the competent authority is still pending.
Highlighting the significance of this decision, the Finance Department has imposed additional conditions on the extended scheme, supplementing those outlined in the Government order no 103-PDD of 2022 dated 12-9-2022. It has been explicitly stated that no further amnesty scheme for power will be entertained in the future.
Moreover, strict monitoring mechanisms have been put in place, with the Power Development Department tasked with providing monthly reports to the Finance Department regarding the recoveries made under the scheme.
Additionally, a proactive approach has been mandated towards loss reduction, metering, and energy audit measures by both Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KDPCL).
This directive aims to decrease Aggregate Technical and Commercial (ATC) losses, aligning with the commitments made to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Finance (MoF).