KPDCL’s proposed 20% peak-hour power surcharge faces widespread opposition

With the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) proposing a 20 per cent surcharge on electricity consumption during peak hours, it has triggered strong reaction from political parties and civil society groups in the Valley.

Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, secretary general of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), said on Friday that they lodged a strong opposition to the proposal during a public hearing convened by the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC).

“KPDCL has proposed a 20 per cent surcharge in electricity charges for consumption during peak hours. KPDCL has petitioned it before the JERC. We opposed the move during the hearing,” he said.

A senior KPDCL official, however, said that surcharge is being proposed as per the Union government notification.

Peoples Democratic Party leader and MLA Waheed Para said, “J&K government must do a real ground assessment before hiking electricity charges.”

“People in posh areas may not feel it, but for ordinary Kashmiris, winter is a battle for survival. In Kashmir, electricity is not a luxury, it is life support,” he said.

Para said at a time when families are already struggling, “raising tariffs on the poor and middle class will be cruel and catastrophic.” “Policies that ignore human suffering have no place in a just administration,” said Para.

Former J&K minister and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said KPDCL’s proposal to impose a 20% surcharge on power tariffs during peak hours is a “grave injustice to people who are already struggling to survive an economic crisis.”

“Most of our population depends on tourism and horticulture—sectors that have suffered massive losses this year. Other businesses are also in decline. In such times, increasing electricity charges for mornings and evenings—when families rely on power the most in freezing cold—cannot be justified,” he said.

He said the “government has a moral duty to consider people’s economic hardships before even thinking of enforcing such a harsh measure.” “With harsh winter days approaching, I urge the authorities: show some mercy to people who are already burdened and suffering,” Bukhari said.

NC’s chief spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq said the Omar Abdullah-led government has already taken a clear stand on the proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge. “In a harsh Kashmiri winter, power is a necessity, not a luxury. The Omar Abdullah–led government will not allow the people of J&K to be burdened with any such unfair and ill-timed proposal,” he said on X.