Power use soars amid growing demand

Srinagar, Mar 17: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a steady increase in electricity consumption over the past four years as per capita electricity usage has risen from 1322 KWHr in 2020-21 to 1507 KWHr in 2023-24, reflecting growing energy demands across J&K.

The Economic Survey reveals that total power consumption has jumped from 17,721.76 million units to 20,644.47 million units during this period, while the region’s population increased from 13.41 million to 13.70 million.

Currently, 23.45 lakh electric connections across various consumer categories are being serviced throughout J&K.

Despite possessing an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, the Economic Survey notes that only 23.72 percent of the identified 14,867 MW has been harnessed so far.

The current installed capacity of 3526.46 MW is distributed across 29 hydropower projects managed by different entities: NHPC operates 6 projects totaling 2250 MW, JKPDC manages 13 projects with 1197.21 MW capacity, and Independent Power Producers run 10 projects generating 79.25 MW.

According to the Economic Survey, the government plans to double the hydel power generation capacity by 2026. Four major projects with a combined capacity of 3014 MW are under development, including the 1000 MW Pakal Dul, 850 MW Rattle, 624 MW Kiru, and 540 MW Kwar projects. By 2030, an additional 3284 MW is expected to be added through four more projects: 1856 MW Sawalkote, 930 MW Kirthai-II, 240 MW Uri (stage-II), and 258 MW Dulhasti (stage-II), as highlighted in the survey.

The transmission and distribution infrastructure has also seen significant improvement, with capacity increasing by over 31 percent during the last four years.

As of March 2024, the J&K Power Development Department has established a transmission and distribution capacity of 31,743.5 MVA with an electric line length of 1,66,376 circuit kilometres, the Economic Survey states.

Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative sanctioned in 2022-23, smart metering is being aggressively implemented.

The Economic Survey reports that of the 14 lakh smart meters targeted for installation by March 2025, 5.78 lakh have already been installed against the current target of 7.27 lakh. According to the survey, the renewable energy sector is also gaining momentum.

JaKEDA has allocated 35 Mini Hydel Projects with a capacity of 103.05 MW under Independent Power Producer mode. Projects like the 5 MW SHP Bultikulan and 3.75 MW SHP Khari have already been commissioned.

An additional 37 small hydro projects totalling 107 MW are planned and 13 projects with 112.50 MW capacity are earmarked under EPC mode pending funds release. Solar energy initiatives have developed 27.85 MW capacity through schemes like Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant and PM-KUSUM.

According to the Economic Survey, the plans include achieving 500 MW of grid-connected solar power and installing 15,000 solar pumps by 2026.