Prior to rollout of prepaid meters, build public trust, understand customer needs: PHDC-K

Srinagar February 09:(KNS)  In a press statement issued the PHDCCI Kashmir Chair Baldev Singh Raina said that PHDCCI believes that the Centre’s push for smart meters in all states may be an important ingredient for transitioning to a 21st century electricity-system. The rollout of smart meters hopes to help consumers see exactly how much energy they’re using and what it’s costing them. The consumers of J&K are always willing to pay for 24x7 quality power but we urge the governor administration that prior to installation of prepaid meters the government should announce specific tariffs or discounts or rebates or DBT for poor people of Jammu & Kashmir - people with no source of income, labourers, and the likes - to ensure affordable and continuous access for all domestic consumers in the transition to prepaid metering. The Poor people of Jammu & Kashmir – especially people with no source of or meagre income – must be provided rebate in power tariff.

Mr Baldev Singh Raina said that we put forth that these smart meters should be installed in a phased manner starting with government establishments, Commercial establishments and offices and institutions, thereafter installation of smart meters should be made for domestic customers. He further added we are aware that Smart meters are the third pillar of the proposed technology-driven transition in electricity systems globally, which needs to be implemented in J&K on priority  but it should be done in a people friendly manner, awareness and  with acceptance from across society. We would like to add here that the prepaid meters will definitely put the customer in control of electricity consumption and consumers can alter adjust and save their electricity consumption in response to the introduction of the prepaid meters. 

He further added that although to some extent over past one year there is certain improvement in power supply but the dream for 24x7 power supplies is still far-fetched one for the people of J&K. In order to achieve our collective dream of 24X7 the PHDCCI extends full support to government power reforms but there is need for a flexible and home-grown approach to do reforms in power sector of J&K that ultimately needs to be supported and implemented by people and government altogether.(KNS

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