The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called for greater awareness and clarity among consumers regarding the implementation of the Time-of-Day (ToD) electricity tariff in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly its impact on electricity billing and costs.
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has introduced the ToD tariff from September 1, 2026, for consumers, except agricultural consumers, having a sanctioned load above 10 kW. Under the system, electricity consumed during Solar Hours (9 AM to 5 PM) gets a 20 per cent rebate, while consumption during Peak Hours attracts a surcharge.
KCCI said that while it had earlier opposed the introduction of the ToD tariff, it is now concerned that the mechanism has been implemented without adequate awareness among the affected consumers.
“What is particularly difficult to understand is that KPDCL had itself communicated to JERC that it did not want to implement the ToD mechanism. We therefore fail to understand why it has nevertheless been implemented and under what circumstances,” KCCI said.
The Chamber urged KPDCL to immediately undertake a comprehensive awareness campaign through all available platforms, clearly explaining the applicable timings, rebates, surcharges, eligible consumers and billing mechanism.
KCCI also sought clarity on how ToD billing will be undertaken for consumers with legacy meters, given the technical difficulties involved in configuring such meters.
“The implementation of a new tariff regime must be accompanied by transparency, adequate consumer awareness and a proper grievance-redressal mechanism. Consumers should not be left to discover its financial implications only after receiving their electricity bills,” KCCI said.
