The State Government Wednesday ordered devolution of electrification, system strengthening, loss reductions works in Power Development Department (PDD) to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
According to the order issued by PDD, the Government hasdirected devolution in exercise of powers conferred under sub-section 4 ofsection 12 of Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (amended up to October 2018).
The order says that Pachayats shall identify left outhouses, if any/new constructions for electrification, which shall also includepublic installations like Schools, Panchayats, Hospitals and religious places,and report the same to sub divisional officer of JKPDD for electrification.
“The Panchayats shall also maintain monthly interruptionstatements of each village and submit the same to concerned SDO for taking upthe distribution stabilization works so that interruptions are reduced andreliable and quality power supply is provided to the rural areas,” the orderadds.
The order also states that towards conservation of energythrough Demand Side Management (DSM), the Panchayats shall promote use ofEnergy Efficient LED Lamps, Fans, Standard Water Heating Elements and otherhome appliances.
The order also mentions that Panchayats shall identify theunregistered consumers and assist the department in bridging the gap betweenration card holders and electrified household.
The Panchayats shall also identify those consumers whorequire revision of agreement as per living standard/load in use so as toachieve 100% registration of electrified households/load in use and minimizethe gap between energy supplied and energy billed.
“With a view to promote generation and consumption ofrenewable energy, Panchayats shall plan, establish, maintain and promote smallconventional and non-conventional energy units like solar, including roof topsolar panel installation, biogas, wind mill, micro hydro electricity plantsetc. The excess non-conventional energy shall be sold to others as per theregulations issued by JKSERC,” the order adds.