J&K power tariff hike: Why 6.83% increase has put Omar govt on the defensive over poll promise

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Omar Abdullah government finds itself on the defensive following a 6.83% increase in power tariffs set to take effect from September 1, 2026. This tariff hike has sparked protests and criticism from the Opposition, including the BJP, who argue that the government is neglecting its poll promise of keeping power tariffs affordable.

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) approved the tariff increase, citing rising costs and increased electricity supply to consumers. However, the government maintains that even after this hike, J&K consumers still receive a substantial subsidy, covering about 24% of the total cost of electricity supply. Despite the increase, J&K's entry-level domestic rate of Rs 2.45 per unit remains lower compared to neighboring states with similar cost structures.

The government asserts that J&K's power rates are still lower than those of neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, which have cut tariffs this year due to surpluses.