Inclement weather affects power supply across Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 19: Power outages are currently affecting many areas of Kashmir after heavy rains and snowfall hit the Valley over the past few days.

According to the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), five 33 kV feeders out of 120 and 110 out of 1118 11 kV feeders are currently down across the Kashmir division.

In a statement posted on social media, the KPDCL said efforts were underway to restore power to the affected areas.

However, restoration work has been hampered by the severe winter weather.

The KPDCL also noted that a peak load of 1450 MW was recorded in the region on Monday.

According to KPDCL officials, the recent precipitation has weighed down power lines and poles, leading to the failure of several key power distribution feeders across Kashmir.

“These feeders supply electricity to localised areas through lower-voltage power lines. When they go down in bad weather, the power supply gets interrupted for many households and businesses,” they said.

“Bad weather has caused tremendous damage to electric infrastructure but the field staff is braving inclement weather to restore the power supply to the esteemed consumers,” a senior KPDCL official said.

According to the KPDCL, the status of functional feeders is fluid and subject to change depending on weather conditions and restoration work.

The Power Development Department (PDD) officials have said restoring supply across Kashmir under current weather conditions remains a challenge.

Many power consumers have taken to social media to complain about the widespread power cuts over the last two days, calling on the government to improve electricity infrastructure.

However, officials said restoring supply is a gradual process and have appealed for patience while repair crews work diligently to reconnect affected areas.