MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has warned that failure to ensure responsible use of electricity could force a review of the region’s existing highly subsidised power tariffs, which may then be determined strictly on demand-and-supply principles.

In a public message addressed to electricity consumers, AJK’s secretary for energy resources Chaudhry Muhammad Tayyab said the government had, in response to public demand, substantially reduced electricity rates for both domestic and commercial users.

“This extraordinary reduction in tariffs has resulted in an equally extraordinary increase in electricity consumption,” he said, adding that the resulting pressure on the system had pushed the power distribution network to its limits.

He explained that electricity demand peaked during winter in Muzaffarabad and Poonch divisions and during summer in Mirpur division, mainly due to extensive use of electric heaters, geysers and, most notably, electric cooking stoves in winter, and the unchecked use of air-conditioners in summer.

Energy secretary says increased consumption pushing distribution network to its limits

“As a result, the power distribution system comes under intense pressure, making transformer burnouts and breakdowns a routine occurrence, which ultimately causes hardship for consumers,” Mr Tayyab said, describing the situation as highly unpleasant for the electricity department.

He said engineers and technicians were working round the clock, repairing damaged transformers and striving to keep the power supply running or to restore it at the earliest. Despite limited resources, he added, the AJK government was making every possible effort to stabilise the distribution network, with valuable assistance from the federal government.

However, Mr Tayyab stressed that meaningful improvement in the prevailing situation was impossible without public cooperation, urging consumers to avoid unnecessary and excessive use of electricity, pay their bills on time, and clear all outstanding dues.

He specifically appealed to people to refrain from using electric stoves for cooking, exercise restraint in the use of air-conditioners, and limit the use of inverter ACs for heating during winter, particularly by switching them off before going to sleep. He also called on households to avoid installing unnecessary decorative outdoor lights and searchlights.

Highlighting the issue of electricity theft, Mr Tayyab urged citizens to identify and report those involved, assuring that the identity of informants would be kept confidential. He said a dedicated helpline for reporting power theft would be announced soon, and advised consumers to immediately contact the nearest electricity department office in case of missing or faulty meters.

The continued “irresponsible use of low-cost electricity”, he warned, would further worsen the situation.

“In such a situation, the government will be compelled to review the current highly subsidised tariffs and determine electricity prices strictly in accordance with demand and supply principles,” he added.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026