JK govt to install digital meters to stop misuse of power

Srinagar, July 23: Concerned over the theft and misuse of power, the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to install digital meters throughout the state to save energy so that uninterrupted power supply is provided to consumers.

Minister for Power, Nawang Rigzin Jora said that cent per cent revenue realisation and installation of digital meters throughout the state is essential for providing uninterrupted power supply to the consumers and bringing overall reforms in the power sector.

Speaking at a quarterly meeting of engineers to review the physical and financial progress achieved during the period in the Kashmir division today, the Minister asked the engineers to devise a system which prove helpful in saving energy and launch an awareness campaign to educate the people about judicious use of power.

He said power saved can be utilised for increasing production and setting up various small scale industrial units which help absorb educated youth both in rural and urban areas.

Directing the engineers, Mr Jora asked them to achieve the required target fixed for installing electronic meters in their respective areas without any influence of status or pressure.

There are instructions from the government that consumers who get the digital meters installed would get certain concession of units consumed, Mr Jora said.

Mr Jora asked the departmental functionaries to start drive to realise the electric bills pending with the people and issued stringent instructions to the engineers to check illegal connections.

He said the centre would provide Rs 1300 crore as subsidy regularly only if the power department brings a revenue realization of Rs 50 crore monthly.

In addition, 6208 meters have been installed in various areas of Srinagar city during the Ist quarter of the Current Financial Year.

In the initial stage 33803 meters on 47 feeders were installed covering assorted areas of the valley, the meeting was apprised.

UNI