Left in the Dark | J&K drowning in power deficit

Srinagar, Dec 13: As the power situation in Kashmir continues to cast a shadow, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has raised concerns over the diminishing electricity generation from J&K government-owned hydropower projects in J&K.

The J&K government-owned hydroelectric power projects are managed by the J&K Power Development Corporation (JKPDC), boasting a total installed capacity of 1211.96 megawatts (MW).

However, recent observations by the JERC indicate a decline in power generation, adding a new layer of complexity to the already challenging power scenario in the region.

The regulatory commission made its concerns public while scrutinising the tariff petition filed by JKPDC. JERC highlighted that, apart from the Baghilar power projects and Lower Jhelum, several other hydropower projects exhibited a concerning trend in their power generation capabilities.

“The petitioner (JKPDC) is to submit the performance data of the same at the earliest. The commission notes that besides BHEP-I, BHEP-II, and the Lower Jhelum hydropower plant, the performance of the remaining hydroelectric stations is not up to the mark as can be seen from the actual generation figures of those plants during FY 2022-23. The actual generation during FY 2017-18 to 2022-23 has been substantially lower than the approved design energy of these HEPS,” the regulatory commission said.

The commission has instructed the JKPDC to conduct a scientific investigation to determine the factors contributing to the decreasing power generation in these power projects.

“The commission in its previous tariff order of FY 2022-23 directed the petitioner to carry out a scientific study of all HEPS from a reputed consultant and find out the reasons for low generation and suggest remedies for the same. The petitioner is directed to expedite the matter and submit the report to the commission,” it said.

“The commission notes that the petitioner in the capacity addition plan as generation plan reported the same figures for installed capacity plants and their corresponding generation (MU) during FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26. The capacity addition of power plants during the Business Plan period (FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26) implies that no generation capacity is going to be added during the period. On enquiring, the petitioner informed that the petitioner should submit the details of upcoming and new for the approval of the commission at a later stage,” the commission said.

“The approach of the petitioner is unacceptable as it defeats the purpose of the business plan," read the comments made by JERC.

The ongoing power crisis in Kashmir has its roots in the inability of J&K to augment its power generation capacity in recent years, leading to a heavy reliance on costly external energy sources.

The JERC-approved business plan of the Power Development Department (PDD) reveals that the JKPDC, owned by the J&K government, has faced challenges in bringing new power projects online, with many still in the tendering phase or awaiting completion.

According to official data from JKPDC, power generation in 2019-20 stood at 5452 million units (MU), decreasing to 5123 MU in 2020-21, 5281 MU in 2021-22, and further dropping to 5199 MU in 2022-23. Projections indicate a lack of substantial growth in JKPDC's power generation in the foreseeable future.

The J&K government oversees power projects through JKPDC, collectively amounting to 1211 MW in capacity.

These projects, such as Baghilar-1, Baghilar-2, LJHP, and USHP-11 Kangan, are distributed across the Chenab and Jhelum Basins.

However, a significant portion of these projects operate with capacities below 30 MW.

Moreover, the Central sector manages six projects through NHPC, contributing a total of 2250 MW.

Despite this, the actual power received by J&K frequently falls below 700 MW, exacerbating the energy shortfall in J&K.

The existing scenario raises concerns about the sustainability of the current power infrastructure and emphasises the pressing need for strategic measures to enhance power generation capacity and reduce dependence on external sources.

A senior KPDCL official said, “Conversely, the power demand, as per projections, has risen to 2800 MW in Kashmir during the peak winter season. The electricity produced by JKPDC is acquired by the government at a lower cost compared to purchasing power from external generators outside J&K, contributing to the reduction of power procurement expenses. Therefore enhancing the power generation capacity of the power development corporation is a must to reduce our power purchase bills."