Srinagar, Nov 6: The J&K State Electricity Regulatory Commission is a statutory body set up under an Act of State Legislature to regulate power sector in the State. But, since the day it was established, it is permanently stationed in Jammu.
 The SERC determines generation and consumer tariff. It adjudicates upon disputes between consumers and the State Government, the licensees and the generating companies and refers dispute for arbitration. Its decisions are binding on the State.
 Sources said in the previous body of the Commission none of its authorities and functionaries was from Kashmir. Its advisor, member and the secretary were from Jammu while as the chairman was from outside the State.
 The Commission was primarily established to safeguard the interests of consumers. But the consumers of the valley failed to avail its benefits as the Commission since it was established stayed only two days in the Valley. Sources said though the valley has highest consumer base in the State and the Power Development Department generates highest revenue from the valley consumers on electricity tariff, the consumers are not aware about the Commission.
 The SERC body is constituted by the State cabinet. But the cabinet has to take advice of a member of the Commission.
 Last month the State cabinet appointed its chairman who is from South India. On the retirement of its previous advisor, a retired chief engineer from Jammu, D.S Pawar, has been appointed its advisor.
 “I think there are competent people in Kashmir who should be given chance to work in the Commission,” said a senior official pleading anonymity. He said the commission has done disservice to the State by remaining permanently stationed in Jammu.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST