Jammu & Kashmir's Power Crisis
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a Union Territory in India, is currently grappling with a significant power crisis that is affecting both its residents and its economy. This crisis has emerged due to a combination of factors, including a reduction in power generation from hydroelectric projects, transmission losses, inadequate metering, and the rising cost of electricity procurement. In this article, we will explore the underlying causes of the power crisis, its consequences, and the steps that the J&K administration is taking to address this pressing issue.
Electricity Requirement vs. Generation
Current power generation
Impact of Dry Spell
High Cost of Procured Electricity
Transmission Losses
Metering Progress
Differential power cuts
The administration has implemented a power curtailment schedule where metered areas experience power cuts of up to 4.5 hours a day, while non-metered areas face longer eight-hour power cuts. These hours of power cuts is expected to increase in the coming months.
Promoting Metering
The J&K administration is aggressively promoting the installation of meters across the region. The focus is on achieving 100% metering to minimize power cuts and improve billing accuracy.
Using AD cables
To prevent theft and reduce transmission losses, the administration is encouraging the use of AD (aerial bundled) cables for insulating wiring. This step aims to address the problem of electricity pilferage through uninsulated wires.
Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS)
Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II
Jammu and Kashmir’s power crisis is a multifaceted challenge that results from a combination of factors, including reduced power generation due to a dry spell, transmission losses, inadequate metering, and the high cost of procured electricity.
The UT administration is actively working to address these issues through measures such as promoting metering, using AD cables to prevent theft, and investing in infrastructure upgrades.
The implementation of the Green Energy Corridor Phase II is also a significant step toward ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the region. As these initiatives take root, J&K can look forward to an improved power supply and a boost to its overall development.
The power crisis in J&K is primarily caused by a reduction in power generation from hydroelectric projects due to a dry spell during the summer months.
J&K has a total electricity requirement of approximately 2,600 MW, with a deficit of about 500 MW, straining the region's power supply.
J&K procures additional electricity from the central power exchange, which is comparatively expensive, costing between Rs 7 to Rs 10 per unit. This cost differential leads to a financial burden on the exchequer.
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