CEC Kargil chairs meeting on excess power bills, smart meter concerns

Kargil, March 25, 2025: Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, today chaired a meeting to address concerns related to excess power bills following the installation of smart meters in Kargil.
The meeting was attended by Executive Councillors Er. Punchok Tashi, Kacho Mohd Feroz, and Aga Syed Mujtaba, along with Chief Engineer PDD, XEN PDD Kargil, and Councillors Adv. Khadim Hussain, Ainul Huda, and Sajjad Hussain. Officials from PDD and representatives of the executing agency for smart meters, including Polaris Agency, Inventia, also participated, with some joining virtually.
During the meeting, CEC Dr. Akhoon emphasized the need for extensive public awareness regarding smart meter tariffs, communication facilities, and other relevant details to ensure transparency for consumers.
He raised concerns over the sudden spike in electricity bills and directed the Chief Engineer PDD to make old tariff till the revision of existing agreement while ensuring that accurate information on smart meters reaches the public.
The CEC further inquired about the status of meters installed in Kargil and instructed officials to prominently display helpline numbers at various locations such as schools, hospitals, and public offices to assist consumers with their queries. It was informed that a 24/7 consumer care helpline is available at 9103767637 for smart meter-related concerns.
Additionally, Dr. Akhoon urged Chief Engineer, PDD, to take up the matter with UT administration Ladakh to seek a reduction in surcharges and possible relaxation in tariff rates. He also directed officials to investigate and resolve any potential electrical earthing issues to prevent power leakage. Further, the Councillors also raised their concerns and put forth their suggestions.