JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has raised concerns over delays in implementing several measures agreed between the management of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (JPDCL) and employees’ unions, particularly those related to electricity theft enforcement and damaged smart meters.
At a meeting chaired by JKEEGA president Sachin Tickoo, the executive body reviewed the commitments contained in a memorandum of agreement issued by the JPDCL Managing Director on August 14, 2026.
A key issue discussed was the proposed authorization of designated JPDCL officers to file complaints and initiate action in electricity theft cases under Sections 135(1A) and 151 of the Electricity Act, 2003. According to JKEEGA, the agreement provided for authorization within four weeks. The association said the JPDCL Managing Director subsequently approached the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) on September 11 seeking the necessary authorization, but claimed that no response had been received.
JKEEGA said the delay was affecting field-level enforcement against illegal electricity use and contributing to challenges surrounding revenue realization and aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses.
The association also raised concerns over the replacement of damaged or non-communicating smart meters. It said more than 25,000 such meters had been identified and that a committee was constituted on September 12 to formulate a comprehensive standard operating procedure (SOP). However, according to the association, the SOP is yet to be issued, with some damaged meters dating back to 2024-25 still awaiting replacement.
Another issue highlighted was the billing of damaged and non-communicating meters in accordance with JERC regulations. JKEEGA said JPDCL had approached the commission on August 24 on the matter, but claimed that no response had been received despite the passage of more than a month.
The association further pointed to the agreement on identifying deficiencies related to poor workmanship and delays in replacing damaged smart meters, followed by penal action against agencies responsible wherever warranted. JKEEGA alleged that despite reports and public statements by JPDCL regarding damaged, burnt and non-communicating meters, action against the concerned agencies had not been initiated.
JKEEGA said the absence of a clearly defined enforcement mechanism and SOPs was hampering field functionaries from taking action under the applicable law.
The association has urged JERC Chairman to expedite consideration of the approvals sought by JPDCL on electricity theft enforcement and the billing of damaged or non-communicating meters, saying timely decisions were necessary both for stronger enforcement and reliable power supply to consumers.
