600 MW power deficit looms over J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Oct 28: Ahead of chilling winters, more than 600 Megawatts (MW) power deficit is looming over Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in November 2026.
An official informed that during peak solar and non-solar hours, both the regions are likely to face a power deficiency of 623 MW in the month of November.
The official figures projecting the power supply position for November-2026 reveal that J&K and Ladakh may likely require 3813 MW against the total availability of 3190 MW during solar and non-solar hours.
In the meantime, a top official informed that the Ministry of Power has allocated over 330 MW for J&K with effect from December-2026 to February-2027.
The official said, “We may face power deficiency challenges for the November month and we are sure as to whether we can manage the gaps through power exchange markets.”
As already reported by this news agency Kashmir is reeling under power deficiency of nearly 300 MW.
An official had informed that “In Kashmir, the power demand nowadays remains around 1350 Megawatts (MW).”
He said, “During the peak hours, we generally nowadays have a power demand of 1300-1350 MWs in Kashmir division. However, the power availability is fluctuating between 1000-1150 MWs.”
The official further said that the power supply keeps on fluctuating. “Thus, the power demand and availability also varies from time to time. During that period we enforce grid curtailment.”
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir imports nearly 84 percent of power from other states even as the Union Territory generates nearly 370 Megawatts (MWs) from its local stations.
The official figures in this regard reveal that the Union Territory was importing nearly 2000 MWs of power from other states and UTs.
The officials have informed that out of the total power production capacity of 1197 MWs from the Jammu and Kashmir owned plants, the power generation fluctuated between 360-400 MWs. (KNO)