New structure introduces up to 20% surcharge during morning and evening peak hours, paired with a 20% daytime solar rebate for qualifying consumers.
SRINAGAR / JAMMU — In a major structural overhaul of electricity billing across the Union Territory, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved the rollout of Time-of-Day (ToD) tariffs. The dynamic pricing framework applies to all consumer segments with a sanctioned connected load or contract demand exceeding 10 kW, while completely exempting the agricultural sector.
The new tariff mechanism operates on differential rates based on energy demand cycles throughout the day, penalizing consumption during grid-stress periods while incentivizing power usage during abundant daytime solar hours.
Key Highlights of the ToD Billing Framework
- Eligibility & Threshold: Applicable to all domestic, commercial, and industrial consumers with a sanctioned load above 10 kW, subject to the installation of compatible smart metering and billing infrastructure.
- Agriculture Exemption: In alignment with Union Ministry of Power guidelines under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, the agricultural category remains fully insulated from ToD surcharges.
- Off-Peak Standard Hours: Any time bracket falling outside defined peak and solar windows will be billed at regular, base energy charges without extra levies or discounts.
Time Windows and Tariff Adjustments
Time Window Operational Hours Applicable Category Surcharge / Rebate Morning Peak 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM (3 Hrs) Industrial & Commercial +20% Surcharge on energy charge Domestic & Other Categories (>10 kW) +10% Surcharge on energy charge Evening Peak 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM (5 Hrs) Industrial & Commercial +20% Surcharge on energy charge Domestic & Other Categories (>10 kW) +10% Surcharge on energy charge Solar Hours 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (8 Hrs) All Eligible Categories -20% Rebate (Discount) on energy charge Normal Hours 10:00 PM – 06:00 AM (8 Hrs) All Categories Standard Base Energy Rate (No change) Regulatory Context and Alignment
The implementation follows tariff revision petitions submitted by both regional power distribution utilities—the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL). While DISCOMs had proposed broader evening and morning peak adjustments, the regulator adopted the central Ministry of Power’s standardized ToD framework to encourage grid stability, curb peak load strain, and promote higher solar energy utilization during daylight hours.
JERC Implements Time-of-Day Power Tariff in J&K: Peak Surcharges to Apply for Loads Above 10 kW, Agriculture Exempted
