JAMMU: Principal Secretary, Power Development Department (PDD), H. Rajesh Prasad, today reviewed the functioning of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), exhorting for maximising revenue and reducing Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses. Present in the meeting were Managing Director JPDCL, Managing Director JKPTCL, Additional Secretaries, Chief Engineers, Chief Electrical Inspector and other JPDCL officers.

The Principal Secretary reviewed the performance of JPDCL’s all 1400 feeders and observed significant improvements in many areas with reduced losses. He instructed the MD to conduct case studies of the best-performing districts to replicate successful practices in other areas. He also called for recognizing and rewarding high-performing officers while taking strict action against the underperformers.

He also took stock of smart metering projects and appreciated notable progress in different districts of the UT. He expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, particularly in smart metered areas, where losses had decreased. He directed that 100 percent smart-metered areas should be ensured continuous power supply.

The Principal Secretary reiterated Government’s top priority of achieving 100 percent smart metering on all Feeders and Distribution Transformers (DTs). He called for effective implementation of smart Feeder & DT Metering projects. These initiatives will improve energy accounting and load management, he added. He was informed that JPDCL is close to completing feeder metering for all 1400 feeders, ahead of other states and UTs. He also advised addition of more features to feeder metering systems to improve tracking and remote monitoring of energy parameters, curtailments and outages. This initiative will go a long way in overall automation and modernisation of Power Distribution sector, ultimately leading to enhanced consumer satisfaction, he added.

The Principal Secretary asked the officers to focus on reducing losses at all divisional and sub-divisional levels to 15 percent. He said that J&K has one of the lowest power tariffs in the country, while power purchase prices are much higher and require advance payments. He emphasized the importance of educating consumers to pay their dues on time. 

Earlier, MD JPDCL, Yasin Chaudhary, during his detailed presentation, provided an overview of performance parameters including billing efficiency, collection efficiency and other commercial metrics. He highlighted that the total revenue collection of JPDCL as on November 2024 had reached Rs. 1661.54 crore, marking an increase of 20.49 percent compared to the previous year.

He also apprised that the overall power situation in Jammu had significantly improved, with unscheduled power cuts largely minimised, except on a few occasions due to low frequency/technical constraints at the northern grid, particularly during peak load times. He credited the smart metering system as a key tool in reducing wastage, leading to improvements across various aspects.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡