RK Impact: JPDCL withdraws power curtailment schedule

Srinagar, May 29: Responding to consumer complaints highlighted by Rising Kashmir, Managing Director of JPDCL Vikas Kundal announced the immediate withdrawal of the power curtailment schedule in smart-metered areas of Jammu.
The move comes after Rising Kashmir reported on the long unscheduled power cuts affecting Jammu residents in this sweltering summer heat, prompting action from JPDCL.
In response to the newspaper’s story, the MD issued a communique stating: “In view of the improvement in power infrastructure through capacity addition and the repair of a 2x50MVA, 132/66KV Power Transformer at Grid Station Samba and a 10MVA, 33/11kV Power Transformer at Miran Sahib, the curtailment schedule for Summer 2024, issued by the Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL vide no: CEJ/TS-II/906-20 dated 27-05-2024, stands withdrawn. JPDCL will provide 24×7 power supply in smart-metered areas and up to 20 hours of power supply in other areas.”
However, the communique noted that JPDCL might have to resort to distressed curtailments to safeguard critical power infrastructure when necessary. The general public is requested to exercise prudence in electricity usage due to soaring demand driven by unprecedented high temperatures and the severe heat wave.
The public is also advised to pay their electricity dues on time through online or offline modes.
The Managing Director of JPDCL visited the State Load Dispatch Corporation office and reviewed the availability of power for the Jammu region. He mentioned that with the purchase of an additional 200 MW of power, JPDCL would be able to supply smooth and uninterrupted power to smart-metered areas and also provide relief to rural areas by reducing curtailment hours. He was accompanied by the Chief Engineer.
During the visit, it was reported that a 160 MVA, 220/132 KV Auto Transformer at the Gladni grid had been brought into the circuit by JKPTCL. This transformer is now running in parallel with the 400 MVA Auto Transformer bank. This step will help in reducing the infrastructure challenges for JPDCL and will mitigate issues of forced curtailment due to transformer temperature rise.
Managing Director VikasKundal urged the staff to take strict action against illegal hooking and to conduct regular checks to provide relief to honest consumers.
Meanwhile, consumers who were facing a power crisis have welcomed this official communique and expressed their gratitude to this newspaper for reporting the story.