Govt planning to provide 24x7 electric supply: CM Omar

Jammu, Mar 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said a well-coordinated plan which includes modernisation works in the transmission and distribution system was under implementation to ensure 24x7 power supply to the consumers in J&K.

CM Omar also said that no major progress had been made in developing a coal block in Odisha.

The Union Ministry of Coal allocated the coal block to J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) jointly with NTPC in July 2013.

Of the total estimated geological reserves of 396 metric tonnes, 266 metric tonnes were allocated to NTPC and 130 metric tonnes to JKSPDC.

The CM, who is also incharge of the power ministry, shared the information in a written reply to a question by BJP’s Rajiv Jasrotia in the Legislative Assembly.

“The department is committed to providing 24x7 reliable, affordable, and high-quality power supply to every household. A well-coordinated plan, taking a holistic view of all key elements of the power supply chain, is under implementation. The plan includes the development of several generation projects and system upgradation and modernisation works in transmission and distribution systems under Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) and schemes like Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), with a target completion by 2027-28,” he said.

CM Omar said major hydro projects Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle were progressing fast and were expected to collectively add over 3000 MW in installed capacity after their commissioning by 2027.

“In addition, new projects like 390 MW Kirthai-I, 258 MW Dulhasti-II, 800 MW Bursar, 1856 MW Sawalkote, 240 MW Uri-I Stage-II, 89 MW Ujh, and 930 MW Kirthal-II are also planned for completion within the next 10 years,” he said.

The CM said that to meet the growing demand, efforts were being made to create a balanced energy mix, including hydro, thermal, and renewable sources of energy, through the creation of own generating stations and entering into Power Purchase Agreements with outside generators.

He said a resource adequacy plan had been formulated with the help of the central government, taking into consideration future load projections and peak demand for the next 10 years.

“To create adequate transmission infrastructure for the evacuation of power from upcoming projects, enhance peak load handling capacity, and support growing demand, the transmission system is being improved,” CM Omar said.

He said that under the plan the department aims to add around 2406 MVA (at 220 and 132 kV levels) through setting up of new grid substations and the augmentation of existing grid substations in Jammu region.

“Similarly, in the Kashmir region, around 2500 MVA capacity is targeted to be added at both voltage levels. Additionally, several existing grid stations will be renovated and modernised in a phased manner,” the CM said.

He said J&K has significant potential for solar energy, and the installation of solar rooftops is being encouraged through PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

CM Omar said as metering progresses and reaches a larger number of consumers, the government expects significant improvements in power supply, with no power cuts in low-loss areas.

“Such improvements are already evident on feeders where 100 percent smart metering has been completed - 45 in Kashmir and 50 in Jammu,” he said.

On the coal block in Odisha, the CM said JKSPDC and NTPC signed the joint venture agreement on June 15, 2015, for the exploration, development, and operation of the jointly allocated coal mining block.

However, NTPC Limited on November 22, 2018, surrendered its share in the coal block citing reasons like envisaged delay in environmental clearance, and non-accessibility to the site along with the hostile local environment in nearby areas and the same was accepted by the concerned ministry.

“In June 2019, the J&K government requested the coal ministry for allotment of an alternative coal block, in place of Kudanali-Laburi in favour of the NTPC-JKSPDC joint venture company in light of the challenges anticipated in its development,” CM Omar said.

However, he said, the request was declined by the Ministry of Coal citing the reason that there was no provision under MMDR Act, 1957 to allocate an alternate coal block in lieu of a cancelled coal block.

In another written reply to a starred question by NC legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo, the CM said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between JKSPDC and NHPC on January 3, 2021, for the execution of 1856 MW Sawalkote HEP, 258 MW Dulhasti Stage-II, and 240 MW Uri-I stage-II by NHPC in Built, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) mode for 40 years.

As per the MoU, the J&K government is entitled to receive 12 percent free power, one percent Local Area Development Fund (LADF), and the first right of refusal for the purchase of 50 percent of the power generated at a price determined by the regulator.