Unscheduled Power Cuts put people to extreme trouble in humid wheater

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Tejveer Singh July 18,2024 ||

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation ltd (JKPDCL) is set to introduce a new application to streamline online payments for consumers in smart-metered areas. This initiative follows the unexpected departure of Wipro, the company previously engaged to manage the prepaid online bill payment system, resulting in a dysfunctional online payment process and significant consumer dissatisfaction.

Erratic Payment System and Public Outcry:

Chief Engineer Manhar Gupta announced that the department is currently working through various technical modalities to ensure the new app effectively manages online payments in smart-metered regions. “The name of the app will soon be made public,” Gupta stated. The recent issues have caused consumers to receive inflated power bills over the last three months, leading to chaos and frustration among the public due to the lack of valid explanations from the JKPDCL.

Lack of Communication and Transparency:

Several JKPDCL officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that the department has no control over the backend operations of the smart-metered system. This lack of transparency has left officials unaware of who is monitoring and managing the electricity system. This situation has been exacerbated by the fact that privatization of power distribution was implemented without adequately informing the public.

Consumer Trust Eroded:

Residents, who initially accepted the installation of smart meters with the promise of uninterrupted power supply and accurate billing, now feel betrayed. Despite their compliance and regular payment of electricity bills, they continue to experience frequent power cuts and inflated bills. This breach of trust is not limited to residential consumers; the hotel industry and major business hubs are also feeling the strain, struggling with profitability due to the high cost of electricity.

Economic Impact:

The inflated electricity bills have had a pronounced impact on the local economy, particularly affecting the hotel industry and business sectors. High operational costs due to elevated electricity charges are making it difficult for businesses to maintain profitability, adding to the economic woes of the region.

The launch of the new app aims to restore consumer confidence by providing a reliable and transparent payment system. However, addressing the underlying issues of frequent power cuts and inflated bills is crucial for regaining public trust and ensuring the stability of the local economy. The JKPDCL must also improve communication and transparency regarding the privatization process and management of the electricity system to prevent further consumer dissatisfaction.