Winter power preparedness must deliver

Winter in Kashmir is not merely a change of season but a difficult period for thousands of families who struggle with freezing temperatures, prolonged power cuts, inaccessible roads and rising heating requirements. For people living in remote and far-flung areas, reliable electricity becomes an essential necessity rather than a matter of convenience. Against this backdrop, the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited’s (KPDCL) winter preparedness plan for 2026–27 deserves attention, particularly its decision to stock 1,920 distribution transformers and establish Swift Restoration Teams across the Valley. The launch of a Digital Handbook detailing preparedness measures, buffer stocks, restoration mechanisms and grievance redressal channels is a welcome step towards transparency and accountability. With 13.53 lakh consumers depending on its network, KPDCL has a significant responsibility to ensure that winter does not become a season of prolonged darkness for households. The availability of 1,920 transformers, including 1,096 and 824 units under the reported buffer arrangements, along with essential electrical equipment, can help reduce restoration time. Dedicated teams at district and divisional levels and accessible contact details of field engineers are equally important. However, preparedness must be measured by performance on the ground, not merely by the number of machines, transformers or plans announced. Consumers across Kashmir have repeatedly faced unscheduled power cuts, low voltage and delays in repairing damaged infrastructure during harsh winter conditions. Hospitals, educational institutions, businesses and households all suffer when electricity supply remains disrupted. The administration must ensure adequate manpower, round-the-clock monitoring and priority restoration in vulnerable areas. Equally important is adherence to the announced power curtailment schedule and prompt grievance redressal. The public must also cooperate by following electrical safety advisories. KPDCL’s winter plan offers hope, but its real success will be judged by uninterrupted supply and swift restoration. Kashmir’s people deserve dependable electricity when they need it most.