JERC CONDUCTS PUBLIC HEARING IN LEH ON TRUE-UP FOR THE YEAR FY2024-25, ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND TARIFF DETERMINATION PROPOSAL OF LPDD FOR FY 2026–27 AND BUSINESS PLAN.

JERC CONDUCTS PUBLIC HEARING IN LEH ON TRUE-UP FOR THE YEAR FY2024-25, ANNUAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW AND TARIFF DETERMINATION PROPOSAL OF LPDD FOR FY 2026–27 AND BUSINESS PLAN.
Leh, June 2: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today conducted a public hearing regarding the determination of tariff for the Financial Year 2026–27 and Business Plan in respect of the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD), UT Ladakh, at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Leh. The hearing was organized to facilitate a transparent and participatory process for consideration of suggestions and objections pertaining to the Approval of the True up for FY2024-25,Annual Performance Review (APR) for FY 2025–26 and the tariff proposal for FY 2026–27.
The public hearing was chaired by Raj Kumar Chaudhary, Hon’ble Chairperson, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, in the presence of Sh. P. T. Rudra Goud, IAS, Administrative Secretary, Power Development and New & Renewable Energy Department, UT Ladakh, Smt. Bala Jyoti, Member (Law), JERC, and Er. Tsewang Paljore, Chief Engineer, Generation Wing, Ladakh Power Development Department.
The programme was attended by consumer and industry representatives, members of civil society, stakeholders, officers and officials of JERC and LPDD, besides representatives of various associations.
At the outset, Smt. Bala Jyoti, Hon’ble Member (Law), JERC, briefed the gathering on the objectives of the public hearing and emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation in the tariff determination process. A detailed presentation was subsequently made on the functioning and performance of LPDD, covering the present consumer base in Ladakh, major schemes and projects under implementation, the power network map, progress of transmission infrastructure, implementation of smart metering, the Unified Billing System, operational initiatives and challenges, category-wise consumer projections, energy sales, projected power demand, operation and maintenance expenses, Annual Revenue Requirement (ARR), revenue position, upcoming power projects and the tariff proposal submitted by LPDD for various consumer categories.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Chairperson JERC Raj Kumar Chaudhary stressed the need to expedite the installation of smart meters and highlighted Ladakh’s immense solar energy potential owing to its high solar irradiation and extended sunshine hours. He underscored the importance of optimizing renewable energy resources and developing a sustainable power sector ecosystem in the region. He observed that while grant-in-aid support remains important, utilities must gradually move towards long-term sustainability and operational efficiency while ensuring affordable and reliable services to consumers. He appreciated the efforts of the UT Administration in working towards a self-sustaining and future-ready power sector model.
He also encouraged stakeholders and consumers to continue sharing suggestions and feedback with LPDD and JERC through formal channels, including email communications.
During his address, Administrative Secretary, Power Development and New & Renewable Energy Department, P. T. Rudra Goud, highlighted the challenges faced in power procurement and supply management in the region. He expressed optimism regarding the ongoing and upcoming renewable energy projects in Ladakh and elaborated on various initiatives undertaken by the Administration, particularly rooftop solar programmes and efforts aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuel-based generation. He also emphasized the importance of corporatisation and modernization of the power sector, promotion of clean energy technologies, development of small hydro projects and adoption of energy-efficient practices. Referring to the growing use of induction-based cooking appliances, he noted the corresponding increase in electricity demand and stressed the need for energy-efficient building designs and responsible consumption practices to reduce electricity costs at the consumer level. He further informed that the guidelines under PM-KUSUM are under revision and will be implemented upon approval.
The interactive session witnessed active participation from stakeholders, consumer groups, industrial representatives and members of the public. Participants raised various issues and suggestions relating to tariff rationalization, strengthening of power infrastructure, upgradation of transformers, quality and reliability of supply, incentives for renewable energy entrepreneurs, promotion of decentralized solar energy systems and environmentally sustainable development of the power sector in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region. The concerns and suggestions received during the hearing were duly noted for consideration during the tariff determination process.
The public hearing concluded with JERC reiterating its commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and stakeholder participation in regulatory decision-making while balancing consumer interests with the long-term sustainability of the power sector in Ladakh.