Imtiyaz Chasti
Electricity in Jammu & Kashmir is no longer just a utility—it is the thin line between survival and suffering. In a region where winters can be unforgiving and temperatures drop to freezing levels, treating electricity as a mere commercial commodity is both administratively shortsighted and morally indefensible. With the gradual withdrawal of traditional support systems such as timber, coal, firewood, and kerosene, electricity has emerged as the only viable source of warmth and survival for countless households. Yet, instead of support, people are confronted with rising tariffs and frequent outages.
The proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge scheduled for implementation in late 2025 threatens to deepen this crisis. These peak hours—early mornings and late evenings—are precisely when people rely most on electric heaters and heating appliances to fight the cold. Imposing additional charges during these critical hours is not just insensitive; it overlooks the reality of life in Kashmir.
A History of Unrelenting Tariff Hikes
Since 2013, Kashmir has witnessed consistent and significant increases in electricity tariffs:
Around 10% in 2013
12% in 2015
7% in 2016
17% in 2022
15% in 2023
And now, an additional 20% surcharge proposed for 2025
Each hike has been justified under the banner of “cost recovery” and “commercial viability”, but none have taken into account the lived conditions of people, especially during winter. This recurring pattern is pushing citizens into economic and psychological distress, forcing many to choose between paying electricity bills and maintaining household essentials.
Energy-Rich but Power-Deprived
It is a paradox that Jammu & Kashmir, with its abundant hydropower resources, continues to experience both energy insecurity and high electricity costs. The region generates a substantial amount of electricity, much of which is supplied to other areas, while local consumers remain burdened with high tariffs and inconsistent power supply.
A welfare-driven power policy should recognise that electricity here is not simply about comfort; it is essential for health, education, livelihood, and dignity. In remote and rural areas, electricity does not light homes—it saves lives by powering heating devices, medical equipment, and communication systems.
Moving from Commercial Logic to Social Responsibility
The need of the hour is a policy transition—from profit-oriented energy management to welfare-centric planning. The government must introduce:
Winter electricity subsidies tailored to climate conditions
Priority domestic supply, especially during peak winter months
Accelerated investment in local hydropower infrastructure
Restoration of region-sensitive welfare measures withdrawn over time
These are not concessions but obligations of a responsible state. Just as food, shelter, and healthcare are considered necessities, electricity must be recognised as vital to public welfare in Jammu & Kashmir.
A Call for Collective Action
The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) is currently accepting objections to the proposed tariff revision. This is a crucial moment for citizens to come together and raise their concerns before the policy is finalised. Individuals are encouraged to submit objections, share their electricity bills (with personal details masked), and unite in demanding a just and humane tariff structure.
No family should be forced to compromise on warmth to manage expenses. No elderly person should face a harsh winter night without heating. And no child should study in the cold simply because electricity costs were raised without considering the region’s unique circumstances.
The Way Forward
Electricity in Jammu & Kashmir must be seen not through the prism of revenue but through the lens of human survival and social equity. A policy that ignores geography and weather is unfit for a land where winter governs life. What people are asking for is not favour—it is their fundamental right to live with dignity.
As temperatures drop, our voices must rise.
It’s time to power our homes—not profits.
(The author is the spokesperson of the People’s Conference (PC) and a dedicated social activist. Known for articulate public outreach and impactful writing, Mr. Chasti champions community empowerment, transparency, and inclusive development, using literature and activism to amplify public concerns and drive positive social change.)
