Srinagar, Dec 04: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Power Development Department (PDD) at the Civil Secretariat. The meeting primarily focused on addressing the challenges related to power supply, curtailment schedules, revenue realization, and enhancing the efficiency of the power sector during the peak winter season.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of minimizing distress cuts to build public trust in the curtailment schedules notified by the PDD. “Deviations from the announced curtailment schedules must be kept to an absolute bare minimum. While people can accept planned curtailments, unexpected and prolonged power cuts are hard for them to tolerate,” he said. He further stressed the need for a clear, reliable curtailment program, emphasizing that distress curtailments should be rare and well-communicated.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H. Prasad, Principal Secretary Finance Satosh D. Vaidya, and senior officers from PDD, as well as the Managing Directors of DISCOMs. Kashmir-based officers joined the meeting virtually.
Principal Secretary PDD, Rajesh H. Prasad, provided a detailed overview of key issues, including the power supply status, load curtailment programs, revenue realization, power purchase economics, and mechanisms for monitoring curtailment schedules.
The meeting also reviewed consumer and load profiles across Kashmir districts, analyzing challenges in meeting load requirements and discussing strategies to tackle Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses. Key interventions to plug revenue leakages were also explored.
Additionally, a comparative analysis of power availability this year versus the previous year was presented. The Chief Minister also reviewed the progress of ongoing works and projects funded through the UT budget, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, and PMDP.
On the occasion, Omar Abdullah launched the Monitoring of Load Curtailment Program through the website www.LCPJK.in, marking a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in power curtailment schedules.
The Chief Minister reiterated the need for strict monitoring and efficient execution of curtailment plans to ensure a reliable power supply while safeguarding consumer interests.
