Govt to Complete Smart Meter Installation in J&K by 2026; Over 6.5 Lakh Already Covered
The government is expected to finish installing smart meters by March 2026 in the Jammu division and by August 2026 in the Kashmir region.
According to an official cited by the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), over 6.5 lakh consumers have already been switched to prepaid smart meters.
“The DISCOMs are implementing the centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) viz. PMDP and RDSS for installation of smart metering projects in J&K,” the official said.
It also said that “The projects under PMDP stand completed, whereas, meter installation under RDSS is under execution, which is likely to be completed by 31.03.2026 in Jammu and by August 2026 in Kashmir region.”
Furthermore, the official added that “As a part of the PMDP initiative, more than 6.50 lac consumers have already been upgraded to prepaid smart metering in J&K.”
“Under RDSS, it is anticipated that approximately 14.48 lac consumer prepaid smart meters shall be installed,” the official said.
About the tariff and charges, the official further said, “The DISCOMs charge the electricity bills as per the tariff issued by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).”
“The electricity charges for rural and Urban areas are the same as per Tariff Order. The unmetered consumers are billed on flat rate basis which is determined on sanctioned or agreement load as per the slabs applicable to flat rate i.e. unmetered consumers,” the official said—(KNO)
