October 1: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has issued a major order authorising designated officials to disconnect electricity supply in cases where power theft is detected in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The order, Order No. 07 of 2026, has been issued under Section 135(1A) of the Electricity Act, 2003. It authorises designated officials of the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL), Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) to take action for disconnection of electricity supply in cases of electricity theft.
As per the order, the officer in charge of the concerned Electric Distribution Sub-Division will be authorised to exercise the power within the respective jurisdiction. Officers separately authorised by the competent government authority under Section 135(2) of the Electricity Act will also be able to exercise the powers within their authorised areas.
Disconnection Powers Clearly Defined
The Commission has clarified that the order specifically relates to the power to disconnect electricity supply in electricity theft cases. Powers relating to entry, inspection, search and seizure under Section 135(2) will continue to be exercised only by officers who have been separately authorised under the law.
The authorised officials will also be required to follow the applicable provisions of the Electricity Supply Code and other legal safeguards while taking action.
The distribution companies have been directed to maintain and publish an updated list of authorised officers at their offices and on their respective websites. The list will include the names, designations, ranks, jurisdiction and statutory powers of the authorised officers.
Records of Action to Be Maintained
The order further requires proper records to be maintained regarding action taken in electricity theft cases. These records will include details relating to disconnection of electricity supply, police complaints and restoration of power supply.
The Managing Directors of JPDCL and KPDCL and the Chief Engineer of LPDD have been directed to circulate the order among the concerned officers and submit compliance reports to the Commission.
The order has come into force with effect from October 1, 2026.
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