Srinagar, Sept. 23 -- The disclosure that consumers will pay Rs 251 crore more in the current financial year through the latest tariff hike is a stark reminder of the imbalance in the power sector. The 6.83% increase may generate additional revenue for distribution companies, but the larger reality is that subsidies remain above Rs 4,500 crore and arrears of Rs 4,385.30 crore continue to weigh down the system. Consumers are asked to pay more while departments default and the state absorbs massive costs, exposing a structure that cannot sustain itself without reform.

Revenue collection has shown growth, with domestic consumers in the Valley contributing Rs 1,455.90 crore in 2025-26 compared to Rs 1,238.07 crore the previous year. But reli...