Power cuts persist despite 22% AT&C loss reduction in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 26: Despite claims of escalating losses in the power sector, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a significant reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, dropping by nearly 22 percent from 62.3 percent in 2019-20 to 40.5 percent in 2023-24, according to NITI Aayog’s report.

This improvement highlights better performance from the local power distribution companies – the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) and Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL). However, this positive development is shadowed by reduced power allocations leading to extensive and irritating power cuts across J&K.

AT&C losses are vital metrics in power distribution, covering both technical losses from infrastructure inefficiencies and commercial losses due to human factors like meter tampering, billing errors, and power theft.

Despite the reduction in losses, the irony remains that the government has not capitalised on this improvement by increasing power purchases, which has instead led to more power cuts.

“It is an irony that despite the power losses decreasing in Kashmir, instead of encouraging the consumers, less power purchases by the administration are punishing them,” a PDD official said.

The local hydropower generation in J&K has seen a sharp decline this winter, dropping to around 250 MW, which is more than 65 percent below the installed capacity of 1140 MW.

This reduction is primarily due to low water levels in rivers caused by insufficient precipitation and dry weather conditions.

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

With a total installed capacity of 3500 MW, the state’s plants contribute 1140 MW, including major projects like the 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Lower Jhelum, and 110 MW Upper Sindh.

Central sector plants like Salal, Dul Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga make up the remaining 2300 MW. However, winter significantly reduces the output from these plants.

A PDD official said, “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 falling water levels. With peak demand soaring to 3200 MW, it's clear J&K’s power needs cannot be met solely by hydroelectric power.”

The recent data shows a concerning trend in power generation - from 5452 million units in 2019-20, it decreased to 5123 million units in 2020-21, slightly rebounded to 5281 million units in 2021-22, but then fell again to 5199 million units in 2022-23, with no significant improvement expected in the near future.

The power scenario is further complicated by delays in new project developments.

Projects like the 93 MW New Ganderbal Power Project and 48 MW Lower Kalnai, which were planned years ago, are still in the tendering phase with completion not expected before 2027.

Similarly, the Mohra Power Project faces delays until 2026.