J&K witnesses less power consumption, more cuts than smaller states

Srinagar, Dec 20: Despite having a lower per capita power consumption compared to its smaller neighbouring state, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir continues to face severe power shortages, especially during the harsh winter months in Kashmir.

Himachal Pradesh, a smaller state in comparison to Jammu and Kashmir, has a per capita electricity consumption of 1799 kWh, which is higher than J&K’s 1526 kWh, according to the latest Central Electricity Authority (CEA) report.

This disparity extends to other neighbouring states as well, with Chandigarh at 1674 kWh, Punjab at 2574 kWh, Delhi at 1848 kWh, and Haryana at 2360 kWh.

Despite these lower figures in consumption, residents of Kashmir are subjected to prolonged and unscheduled power cuts.

“The power situation in J&K has only deteriorated despite an increase in power revenue generation by over 10 to 15 percent. It’s a paradox where the generation capacity seems to adversely affect the supply,” a senior Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) official said.

The prolonged power cuts in Kashmir are despite J&K possessing huge hydropower generation potential, which has remained unharnessed.

The power infrastructure in J&K includes both state and centrally-managed hydropower projects.

In J&K, hydropower projects are developed in both state and central sectors.

Of the existing installed generation capacity of 3500 MW, 1140 MW is contributed by J&K-owned plants, including projects like 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Lower Jhelum, and 110 MW Upper Sindh.

“The remaining 2300 MW comes from central sector plants, with prominent ones being Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga,” an official of the Power Development Department (PDD) said.

However, the effectiveness of these installations is significantly reduced in winter.

“During winters, powerhouses in J&K, under both central and state sectors, generate a maximum of 600 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW due to a fall in water levels in the rivers. However, with the peak demand reaching up to 3200 MW in winters, it becomes evident that J&K’s power demand cannot be solely met by hydroelectric power plants,” an official said.

The situation has led to a public outcry, with many residents, including students and small business owners, facing severe disruptions.

“We are paying more for power than ever, but the supply is at its lowest, particularly when we need it the most for heating,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a local shopkeeper in Ganderbal.

The government has promised measures to address this crisis, but with the onset of Chillai Kalan, the harshest winter period, the inhabitants hold their breath for any sign of improvement in the power situation.