Srinagar, Dec 02: Jammu and Kashmir is set to receive an additional 350 MW of electricity in the coming days, following the recent allocation of 200 MW from the Union government, a senior official confirmed. This boost in supply aims to ease the power shortages faced during the peak winter months.
Currently, the Kashmir Valley receives 1,550 MW of electricity, while the peak winter demand hovers between 1,800 MW and 1,850 MW. A request for the remaining 350 MW has already been submitted, and officials are hopeful that approval will come through shortly. The additional supply is expected to provide much-needed relief from the ongoing load-shedding issues during the colder months.
Residents across Jammu and Kashmir, including both metered and non-metered areas, have been grappling with prolonged power cuts, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. To manage the situation, the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has put in place a load curtailment program to ensure more equitable distribution of power during peak demand times.
H. Rajesh Prasad, Commissioner Secretary of the Power Development Department (PDD), emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The valley urgently requires 350 MW to meet the increased demand. Once the additional power supply is approved, there will be significant relief for consumers.”
The ongoing power cuts have also impacted areas equipped with smart meters, with residents enduring extended outages and mounting frustration. A KPDCL official reassured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue, saying, “We are deeply concerned about the situation and are confident of providing relief within two to three days.”
Meanwhile, consumers have expressed growing frustration over unscheduled power outages and rising electricity bills, with many reporting that their costs have doubled despite no improvements in service.
In response, the department has intensified its crackdown on power theft, which is believed to be exacerbating the situation. Officials are optimistic that the combination of increased supply and stricter enforcement will alleviate the crisis and provide much-needed respite for residents as they face the harsh winter conditions.
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