Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 5: In Kashmir valley, the power demand has increased by nearly 80 Megawatts (MWs) of power in the ongoing holy month of Ramadhan during peak hours.
A top official of Power Development of Power Development Department (PDD) informed that the power demand has increased from the past four days by nearly 80 MWs in comparison to previous month.
The official said, “As of now in Ramadhan, the power supply and demand is touching at least 1900 MWs. Yesterday, we delivered over 1900 MWs of power.”
“On an average, there used to be a peak power demand of 1800 MWs in the previous month, but in ongoing Ramadhan the power demand is much higher,” the official said.
The official further added, “Currently, the power demand in Kashmir valley has increased by nearly 80 MWs. The power demand however fluctuates and is not below the 1900 MWs.”
On asking about the power generation, the official said, “Power generation has slightly increased due to the recent rainfall.”
“As of now, the lower Jhelum power plant in Kashmir region is producing 90 MWs on an average,” the official said.
Pertinently, in previous week it was reported that Jammu and Kashmir is currently relying on more than 85 percent of coal and solar power amid acute deficit of hydro power generation.
Officials of PDD department had claimed that local hydro power generation from the local power plants have reduced by nearly 90 percent.
An official had informed that “At present Jammu and Kashmir is 85-90 percent dependent on coal and solar energy that is being procured from the other states because as of now we don’t have a local power generation.”
“In winters the local hydro power generation of Jammu and Kashmir power plants has reduced by almost 90 percent and in order to cater the requisite power demand, we need to have a base power availability that we procure from outside states. The energy is coal based energy,” the official had said.
