Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir imports more than 95 percent of its electricity—a stark dependency that leaves the region vulnerable as it grapples with an 800 MW power deficit.
The officials said that Jammu and Kashmir is importing electricity ranging from 2900 MWs to 3100 MWs during the peak hours.
It also said that during the other hours, the region is importing electricity ranging from 2400 MWs to 2800 MWs.
The official however clarified that the power import includes all the sources including the power allocated from the centre and other Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Another official said that 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.
About the power generation from the local power plants, the official said that the department on an average was generating 100-150 MWs of power.
Meanwhile, the officials from KPDCL informed KNO that power deficiency will reduce drastically once smart meters are installed across the UT. “Currently, we are facing major losses because of the consumer pilferage and flat rates in 60 percent of the areas.”
“J&K has inadequate infrastructure as of now,” he said.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is likely to witness a power deficit of more than 34 percent in the month of December.
The official documents in this regard showing the anticipated power supply position in the northern region for December-2025 said that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is likely to have a power shortage of 34.2 percent.
The official figures reveal that there is an availability of just 2460 Megawatts (MWs) against a requirement of 3737 MWs in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. It also reveals that there is a shortage of 1277 MWs.
