Power Minster introduces bill in Assembly

Jammu, Jan 19 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to ensure at least 50 per cent payment of the average cost of supply of energy for every class of consumers in the state.

Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora today introduced J&K state electricity regulatory commission (JKSERC) (amendment) bill in Assembly.

The Bill seeks deletion of sub section (3) of the section 17 of the Act and also deletion of the words 'Subject to the provisions of section (3)', in sub section (5).

The objects and reasons of the Bill state that the current provision of sub-section (3) of section 17 of JKSERCA, 2000 requires that no consumer or class of consumers shall be charged less than 50 per cent of the average cost of supply of energy.

The current average tariff is only 28 per cent of the cost of supply of energy. Since the sudden enhancement of tariff to a level of 50 per cent of the average cost of supply would result in public outcry, the government proposes to increase the tariff gradually.

UNI