Power generation in J&K dips as winter sets in

Srinagar, Oct 26: Jammu and Kashmir’s recurring winter power crisis is back, with electricity generation from state-owned hydropower projects plunging by more than 50 percent due to reduced discharge of water in rivers – a seasonal phenomenon that forces J&K to rely heavily on imported power.

According to official data, J&K is currently importing over 2000 MW of electricity from external generation companies, while state-owned projects are producing barely 500 MW against their total installed capacity of 1100 MW. The power infrastructure in J&K comprises both State and central sector hydropower projects.

Of the installed capacity of 3500 MW, around 1140 MW is generated by J&K-owned plants, including Baglihar (900 MW), Lower Jhelum (110 MW), and Upper Sindh (110 MW).

The remaining 2300 MW is contributed by central projects like Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga.

However, the output from these plants drops drastically in winter.

A senior official from Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) said that during the lean season, the combined generation from all powerhouses in J&K, under both central and state sectors, is barely around 1000 to 1200 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW.

“The drop in river discharge directly impacts hydroelectric generation. With peak winter demand touching 3000 MW, we are left with no option but to import power to maintain supply,” the official said.

Officials said that despite repeated assurances, the J&K Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has made little headway in enhancing generation.

Data shows a declining trend – from 5452 MU in 2019-20 to 5123 MU in 2020-21, with a slight rise to 5281 MU in 2021-22, before falling again to 5199 MU in 2022-23.

KPDCL officials said that the gap between supply and demand widens every winter due to delays in commissioning new projects.

“Projects like the New Ganderbal (93 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) have been pending for years and are unlikely to be completed before 2027. The Mohra project, too, has been delayed till at least 2026,” an official said.

JKPDC operates 13 state-owned power stations, including Baglihar I and II on the Chenab and LJHP and USHP-II Kangan on the Jhelum, with a combined capacity of 1197 MW.

But actual generation often dips below 400 MW in winter months.

Central sector plants managed by NHPC contribute about 2250 MW, but J&K receives only a fraction during peak winter demand.

Officials from KPDCL said that high Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses – estimated at around 45 percent - are also aggravating the situation.

“Nearly half of the power supplied either goes unbilled or remains unpaid. This directly affects our revenue recovery and forces the government to bridge the deficit from its own resources,” another KPDCL officer said.

With temperatures falling across Kashmir and power demand rising sharply, officials warned that the dependence on costly imports will continue in the coming months, putting additional pressure on the administration and the consumers alike.