Power Crisis in Jammu

It seems that the summers are meant to subject the people to the power crisis in Jammu. Every year when the mercury shoots up in Jammu there is always a series of unscheduled power cuts in Jammu. Over the years there were accusations that people are indulging in electricity thefts and this was resulting in shortage of power. But that too was not a one way process. The illegal connections were a reality due to the involvement of the JPDCL employees. But this theft was stopped to a greater extent with the installation of the smart E Meters. This did indeed give a respite to the genuine consumers who paid for the electricity consumption. And as such the revenue is being generated. Even after the installation of these meters there is an irregular supply of power in many areas of Jammu. The unscheduled power cuts are subjecting the consumers to great difficulty in this hot summer when the mercury has already crossed the 42 degree Celsius. The Jammu and Kashmir Government must look into this issue and streamline the power supply. At least there must be a standard mechanism in place to deliver the proper service to the consumers who are paying the bills regularly. But that is not happening. Another issue that is having a tremendous impact on the genuine consumers is that the billing system of the JPDCL is anomalous. The people are complaining about the inflated bills. Moreover, the initiative was taken by the JPDCL to introduce the payment of bills through the online mode and through apps and that too was stopped as the people are complaining that it is not functioning. The situation has come back to square one. That is the traditional paper bills. In many cases before switching again to the paper bills, the prepaid online system that was introduced led to accepting the public money in advance and the prepaid amount has not been reimbursed on the stoppage of that system. Neither has it been adjusted. In such a situation the mechanism of power delivery in Jammu is in jeopardy. And this is vindicated with each summer when people are made to sweat in hot and humid summers for no fault of theirs. When claims are being made about the development of Jammu Smart City there is mismanagement of power delivery. Smart cities cannot flourish in the absence of continuous electricity supply. Neither will it create a professional atmosphere for the business. Online Bill Suvidha is totally dysfunctional. Same is the case with the authorities who are responsible for the distribution of electricity. The only policy that is being adopted is that of procrastination. The calls of the consumers are not attended. Even if the calls are being attended, there are no answers for the restoration of the electricity supply in the areas where unscheduled power cuts are employed. There is a need to take a holistic view and restore the power distribution mechanism in Jammu at all levels. The billing system needs to be updated free from anomalies and inflated bills. Consumers are being made to suffer due to anomalous bills that are being delivered. When the consumers are paying the bills and adhering to the usage of so called smart meters then the onus lies on the JPDCL to prove its professionalism and dedication. Faith of the consumers in JPDCL has been eroded considerably.