LEH, Aug 19: The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for the Union Territories of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has approved a significant tariff relief for the hospitality sector in Ladakh by bringing registered hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays under the industrial electricity tariff category.
The decision has been notified through Tariff Order No. 05 of 2026 dated August 18, 2026, determining the electricity tariff applicable to consumers in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Following approval by the Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh, the Ladakh Power Development Department (LPDD) had submitted a proposal before the JERC seeking reclassification of hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays from the Non-Commercial (Hotel/Resort) category to the Industrial category.
The Commission has accordingly approved that hotels, guest houses, resorts and homestays registered with the Tourism Department, UT Administration of Ladakh, will be charged electricity at rates applicable to industrial consumers. The revised tariff will come into effect from September 1, 2026.
To avail the benefit, eligible tourism establishments must be registered on the portal of the Tourism Department, UT Administration of Ladakh.
The decision is expected to provide considerable relief to the hospitality industry by reducing its electricity cost burden. Officials said the measure would support tourism establishments across Ladakh and create a more favourable business environment for the sector.
The tariff relief is also expected to have wider economic benefits, as a stronger and more competitive hospitality sector can contribute to increased tourist activity and support allied businesses and employment opportunities. The move is therefore being viewed as an important step towards strengthening tourism and related economic activities in the Union Territory of Ladakh.