Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar: Despite a 6.83 per cent increase in electricity tariff, domestic power rates in Jammu and Kashmir remain lower than those in several major states, particularly for consumers in the initial consumption slabs.
Under the revised tariff structure, domestic consumers in Jammu and Kashmir will pay Rs 2.45 per unit for the first 200 units. In comparison, the corresponding rates are Rs 3.85 per unit in Punjab, Rs 3.25 in Maharashtra, Rs 3.50 in Kerala and Rs 4.75 in Rajasthan.
The comparison indicates that even after the latest tariff hike, Jammu and Kashmir’s per-unit domestic electricity charge remains considerably lower than that in several major states.
On Saturday, (22 Aug 2026) the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83 per cent increase in power tariff for Jammu and Kashmir for 2026-27, with the revised rates set to come into effect from September 1, 2026.
The revised subsidised tariff for metered domestic consumers has been fixed at Rs 2.45 per unit up to 200 units, Rs 4.20 per unit for consumption between 201 and 400 units, and Rs 4.60 per unit for consumption above 400 units, besides a fixed charge of Rs 10 per kW per month.
The JERC said the tariff revision was made against a significant revenue gap faced by the two power distribution companies. According to the regulator, the J&K government’s financial support of Rs 2,420.78 crore helped avoid a much steeper increase, which could otherwise have been around 40 per cent.
The tariff hike, however, has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders questioning the National Conference government’s election promise of providing 200 units of free electricity to households.
Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Sunil Sharma termed the hike a “betrayal”, saying people had been promised free electricity but were now facing higher bills.
PDP MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Parra said the increase had come at a time when unemployment and inflation were already putting ordinary families under pressure, asking what had happened to the promise of 200 units of free electricity.
While the hike has sparked widespread criticism, the comparison of basic domestic energy charges shows that Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain below several major states in per-unit electricity rates, even after the latest revision.
