Around 16,000 Smart Meters Damaged or Non‑Communicating in Jammu & Kashmir

Authorities in Jammu & Kashmir have identified about 16,000 smart electricity meters that are either burnt, physically damaged or unable to transmit data to the power grid, according to a report by Kashmir Life. The figures were compiled by the state power department after a routine audit of the smart‑meter network that was installed over the past few years. Officials say the non‑communicating meters hinder accurate billing and real‑time load monitoring, prompting an urgent review of the rollout. The power utility has launched a verification drive to locate the faulty units, assess the cause of damage and arrange for replacement or repair. The incident highlights challenges in the state’s push toward digital metering and may delay the full benefits of automated billing and consumption tracking.