Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Jan 29: Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness 34 percent surge in peak electricity demand in five years.
According to the official figures, authorities have projected that Jammu and Kashmir may witness a 33.82 percent increase in peak electricity demand.
The projections of J&K State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) reveal that the peak electricity demand will jump from 3769 Megawatts (MWs) in 2025-26 to 5044 MWs in the year 2030-31.
It has also projected that Jammu and Kashmir may witness year on year growth by 6 percent each year till 2030-31.
However, on the contrary, the Electric Power Survey (EPS) has projected only a 21.27 percent increase in power demand during peak hours.
EPS has projected that the peak power demand may increase from 3624 MWs in 2025-26 to 4395 MWs in 2030-31.
As per the officials, till late 2025, the peak electricity demand in the UT of J&K was nearly 3,300 MW to 3,700 MW.
Pertinently, till late December-2025, Jammu and Kashmir was importing more than 95 percent of its electricity—a stark dependency that leaves the region vulnerable as it grapples with an 800 MW power deficit.
As already reported, the officials had informed that Jammu and Kashmir is importing electricity ranging from 2900 MWs to 3100 MWs during the peak hours.
It had said that during the other hours, the region is importing electricity ranging from 2400 MWs to 2800 MWs.
The official however had clarified that the power import includes all the sources including the power allocated from the centre and other Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
The actual power demand for Kashmir region is around 2400-2500 MWs and in case of Jammu division, it varies from 1400-1500 MWs.
“As of now Jammu and Kashmir has a power deficiency of nearly 800 MWs. The total power availability as of now is 3100-3200 MWs,” the official said.
