Kashmir power demand jumps by 200 MW
Srinagar, Oct 14: With the onset of colder temperatures in the Valley, electricity demand in Kashmir has surged by nearly 200 MW over the past two weeks.
Official data from the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) shows that current consumption stands at approximately 1523 MW, up from 1300 MW recorded a week ago.
A senior KPDCL official said, “Dip in temperature leads to an increase in power demand in Kashmir. Though it is early in the season, demand has already gone up. During winter, power demand often exceeds 2000 MW, at which point KPDCL announces scheduled curtailments. So far, no forced load-shedding has been required, but we will announce a curtailment schedule next month if the situation demands.”
Last week, managing director KPDCL Mehmood Ahmad Shah said the corporation was better prepared than ever to handle the seasonal surge in consumption.
“We will ensure a better power supply this winter compared to last year. Extensive work has been done to improve the network – from towns to cities - including upgrading cabling systems and installing smart meters. We are hopeful of providing reliable service to our consumers,” Shah told reporters in Srinagar.
According to NITI Aayog, despite claims of rising sector losses, J&K has recorded a sharp decline in aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses, falling from 62.3 percent in 2019-20 to 40.5 percent in 2023-24.
The improvement highlights better performance from KPDCL and Jammu Power Corporation Limited, but limited power allocations continue to cause intermittent outages.
A Power Development Department official said, “It is ironic that despite reduced losses, less power procurement is punishing consumers instead of encouraging them.”
Local hydropower generation drops to around 250 MW, more than 65 percent below the installed capacity of 1140 MW, due to low water levels caused by insufficient precipitation during the winter months. J&K’s total installed capacity stands at 3500 MW, including state projects like Baglihar (900 MW), Lower Jhelum (110 MW), and Upper Sindh (110 MW), and central projects including Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga (2300 MW).
A PDD official said, “During winters, powerhouses under both central and state sectors generate a maximum of 600 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW. With peak demand expected to reach 3200 MW, hydroelectric generation alone cannot meet the Valley’s requirements. Scheduled curtailments and careful load management will be crucial in the coming weeks.”
KPDCL has emergency teams on standby round the clock to respond to any interruptions.
“The supply situation has improved significantly compared to last year, and we are fully prepared to meet winter demand. If required, we will announce scheduled curtailments proactively to manage load efficiently,” he said.
Officials say the coming weeks will test the capacity of Kashmir’s power infrastructure, but upgraded networks, smart meters, and better planning are expected to minimise disruptions for consumers despite rising demand and reduced hydropower output.
