The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with a severe electricity shortage, amounting to approximately 1000 megawatts. This deficit has arisen due to a significant decline in electricity generation, with no immediate response in sight. Presently, both Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited are confronting with a multitude of crises. Firstly, there has been a significant decline in hydroelectric power generation. However, the share of J&K in the total power generated within the UT is disproportionately low, falling below single-digit percentages. This inadequacy in power generation is unable to meet the growing demands of the region. The situation is exacerbated by minimal rainfall, affecting power projects, even those under UT administration, and leading to electricity production challenges. Adding to this complex scenario is the absence of operational thermal or gas power plants in the region, which could have served as backup during such crises. For example, the Kalakote thermal power plant in Northern India has remained non-operational for decades with no apparent efforts to revive it. The same fate applies to gas turbines installed in Kashmir. It appears that the UT power corporations lack contingency plans and rely solely on hydropower shares and electricity purchased from the Northern Grid. This reliance has persisted since the 1990s and successive Governments have failed to devise a long-term strategy. Even if, all the under-construction hydroelectric projects are commissioned, the situation will not drastically improve because the UT’s share in the generated power is meagre, and that too after many years of plant operation.
The situation gets complicated as the aggregate technical and commercial (AT&C) losses in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir are nearly six times the national average, despite rolling out schemes for 100 percent metering and substantial investments in the past. As a result, there is a staggering power bill liability of Rs 31,000 crores. Notwithstanding the escalating demand from households, there has been a conspicuous lack of enhancements in the final-stage distribution infrastructure. Regrettably, this deficiency has not been adequately documented in official records. This incongruity has given rise to the persistence of subpar and erratic voltage provisions, frequent power interruptions, and the recurrent occurrence of transformer malfunctions. The perpetuation of power theft cannot transpire without active collusion involving personnel within the department. Yet, there appears to be a noticeable dearth of a consistent and effective strategic blueprint to counteract this predicament.
Every fiscal year, the Central Government provides grants with the assurance that power reforms will be implemented to reduce AT&C losses. However, on the ground, there has been little progress. The Central Government has given a clear ultimatum: no reforms, no grants. The Power Department has already stated that it has insufficient funds to purchase power, leaving the public to brace for prolonged power cuts. It’s worth noting that even power procurement from the Northern Grid involves future trading. The department could have anticipated this situation long ago and planned accordingly. Weather forecasts are available months in advance, yet the Power Department failed to anticipate and plan for these challenges. Now, with high power prices, the department has no choice but to implement extensive scheduled and unscheduled power blackouts for extended periods. Power losses remain alarmingly high, the deficit is increasing daily, and there is no clear plan in place. As a result, the public bears the brunt of official negligence.
With the festive season approaching in the Jammu region and winter in the Kashmir region, the situation is unlikely to improve without decisive action. The Government must take harsh measures, fix responsibility and accountability, develop a contingency plan for the current shortfall and future demands, and make the necessary tough decisions to address this crisis.
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